Robot vacuum

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robotic cleaners have reduced cleaning efficiency due to uniform cleaning methods applied across surfaces with varying conditions, leading to suboptimal suction and foreign matter pickup.

Innovation Solution

The robotic cleaner features a suction unit with a movable design, including rollers and a rotating brush with adjustable height and blade configuration, allowing it to adapt to surface conditions by maintaining a constant gap with the surface and optimizing foreign matter guidance and pickup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the suction unit is fixed at a constant height, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different surface conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to surface conditionsVSAvoidsuction unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction unit is designed to move vertically relative to the cleaner body, transitioning from a static fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the suction unit to adapt its height according to different surface conditions while maintaining structural simplicity through elastic connection rather than complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the suction portion contacts the surface directly, then suction force is maximized, but it cannot handle convex surfaces effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction efficiencyVSAvoidhandling different surface profiles
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The suction unit can dynamically adjust its vertical position to maintain optimal contact with the surface. On convex surfaces, it moves downward to maintain contact; on flat surfaces, it maintains a constant gap. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maximizing suction efficiency and handling various surface profiles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If the brush unit has a large rotation radius, then it covers more surface area, but it cannot adapt to surface variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning coverage areaVSAvoidadaptation to surface conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The brush unit is designed with a large rotation radius for extensive coverage, and the entire brush assembly can move vertically with the suction unit. This dynamic capability allows the brush to maintain surface contact while adapting to surface variations, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This adaptive design enhances suction efficiency and foreign matter pickup by ensuring consistent contact and effective guidance of debris to the suction inlet, improving overall cleaning performance across different surface types.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic unit member having one end connected to the suction unit body and the other end connected to the cleaner body for the suction unit body to be moved inside the moving space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a suction portion for sucking foreign matter to make relative movement to the main body of the cleaner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3305153B1Robot vacuum
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3305153B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3305153B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3305153B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The robotic cleaner includes a cleaner body that is movable and a suction unit that is movable relative to the cleaner body in a vertical direction. The suction unit includes an inlet for sucking impurities from the surface to be cleaned, and at least one support unit for spacing the inlet and the surface to be cleaned. With the configuration, the foreign substance suction efficiency from the surface to be cleaned may be improved, and a constant gap between the suction portion and the surface to be cleaned may be maintained.