Robotic Cleaner Docking Station with Automated Mop Pad Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic cleaners often require manual cleaning of their wet cleaning elements, such as mop pads, which is time-consuming and burdensome.
Innovation Solution
A robotic cleaning system that includes a docking station with a cleaning shuttle equipped with a spray nozzle and a mechanical contacting element, allowing for automatic washing of the robotic cleaner's wet cleaning elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning of wet cleaning elements is used, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but user burden and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic cleaner autonomously returns to the docking station after cleaning operations and receives automatic washing of its wet cleaning elements. The system performs self-maintenance without human intervention, with the docking station's cleaning shuttle automatically spraying cleaning fluid and mechanically contacting the mop pad to remove debris and residue.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station performs cleaning of the wet cleaning elements before the robotic cleaner is used again. By pre-washing the mop pad with cleaning fluid and mechanical agitation, the system ensures the cleaning element is ready for the next operation without requiring user intervention.
2Productivity
If wet cleaning elements are not cleaned between runs, then operational continuity is maintained, but cleaning effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic cleaner automatically returns to the docking station between cleaning operations to receive periodic washing of its wet cleaning elements. This regular maintenance cycle ensures the mop pad remains effective without interrupting the overall productivity, as the cleaning process occurs quickly during docked periods.
3Extent of automation
If automatic washing system is implemented, then manual cleaning burden is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station serves multiple functions: it charges the robotic cleaner, stores cleaning fluid, and provides automatic washing capabilities. By combining these functions in a single station, the system achieves high automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the washing mechanism shares space and resources with other docking functions.
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 system enables efficient and automated cleaning of robotic cleaners, improving their operational effectiveness and reducing the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one spray nozzle may be configured to spray cleaning fluid onto at least a first portion of the at least one cleaning surface
Implementation Method 2
The at least one mechanical contacting element may be configured to contact at least a second portion of the at least one cleaning surface
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for washing robotic cleaners are disclosed. An example robotic cleaning system may include a robotic cleaner, which may include a housing and at least one wet cleaning element including at least one cleaning surface on an underside of the housing. A docking station may include a base. A support may extend laterally from the base. The support may be configured to receive at least a portion of the robotic cleaner on top of the support. The support may define a cavity. At least one cleaning shuttle may be within the cavity and may include at least one spray nozzle and at least one mechanical contacting element. The spray nozzle(s) may be configured to spray cleaning fluid onto at least a first portion of the cleaning surface(s). The mechanical contacting element(s) may be configured to contact at least a second portion of the cleaning surface(s).