Robot vacuum cleaner
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Robot vacuum cleaners with integrated water supply systems face issues of uneven water distribution and unnecessary water consumption due to lack of air pressure regulation and improper air hole design, leading to continuous water supply even when the device is stopped.
Innovation Solution
A robot vacuum cleaner with a detachable water tank unit featuring an air inlet and air inflow control member that opens and closes the air hole based on the device's operation, ensuring stable water supply during cleaning and preventing water from being supplied when stopped, using an electromagnet or solenoid valve to control air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an air hole is formed in the mop plate to increase air pressure inside the water tank, then water can be smoothly supplied to the damp cloth, but water may be continuously supplied even when the robot vacuum cleaner is stopped, causing unnecessary water consumption and floor wetting
Solution Approach 1:
The air hole is designed to be dynamically openable and closable based on the operating state. During operation, the air hole is opened to allow air pressure to stabilize water supply. When stopped, the air hole is closed to prevent continuous water supply, thereby reducing unnecessary water consumption while maintaining reliable water supply during cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the operating state (running or stopped) as feedback to control the air hole state. When the robot vacuum cleaner runs, the air hole is opened; when it stops, the air hole is closed. This feedback mechanism ensures water is supplied only when needed, preventing waste while maintaining supply stability during operation.
2Loss of substance
If no air hole is formed in the water tank, then water supply can be controlled when stopped, but air cannot be smoothly supplied into the water tank, causing decreased air pressure and unstable water supply
Solution Approach 1:
The air hole transitions from a static design to a dynamic one that can open and close. During operation, it opens to allow air intake and stabilize water supply. When stopped, it closes to prevent unnecessary water supply. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between water supply stability and water consumption control.
Solution Approach 2:
The air hole acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the water tank's need for air pressure (to maintain water supply stability) and the need to control water consumption. By controlling air flow through this intermediary, the system achieves both stable water supply during operation and water consumption control when stopped.
3Reliability
If the air hole is always open, then air pressure inside the water tank is maintained for smooth water supply, but water is continuously supplied to the damp cloth even when cleaning is not performed, leading to unnecessary water consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The air hole operates periodically based on the cleaning cycle. It is opened during cleaning operations to maintain air pressure and smooth water supply. It is closed during non-operational periods to stop water supply. This periodic action ensures water supply smoothness when needed while improving water usage efficiency by preventing continuous supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The air hole's state changes dynamically between open and closed based on operational requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain smooth water supply during cleaning (when open) while preventing unnecessary water consumption during idle periods (when closed), thereby improving water usage efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures efficient and controlled water supply to the damp cloth during operation, preventing unnecessary water consumption and floor wetting when the device is stopped, thereby enhancing user satisfaction and reducing water usage.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet provided in the main body to generate magnetic force by supplying power when the main body runs
Implementation Method 2
an air hole through which external air is introduced into the filling space
Data Source
AI summary
A robot vacuum cleaner includes a main body that moves along a surface, draws in dust from the surface, filters the dust, and discharges air. A water tank is detachably mounted on a lower surface of the main body, and a damp cloth is mounted to the water tank. The water tank stores water in a filling space and supplies water from the filling space through a water supply unit mounted on a lower surface of the water tank to the damp cloth. An air inlet is formed on an upper surface of the water tank. An air inflow member selectively opens the air inlet to allow outside air to flow into the filling space when the main body moves, and closes the air hole when the main body stops moving.