Robotic cleaning devices, associated systems, and methods of using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robotic cleaning devices are limited in their ability to simultaneously clean differently oriented surfaces, such as the bottom and sidewalls of bathtubs or showers, as they typically focus on engaging only one surface, requiring users to manually clean additional surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A robotic device with a body portion defining a top, bottom, and continuous sidewall surface, equipped with drive elements, bottom brushes, and oscillating sidewall brushes that extend vertically to engage sidewall surfaces, allowing for simultaneous cleaning of both the bottom and sidewall surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional robotic devices focus on engaging only one surface, then the device structure remains simple, but the cleaning coverage is limited and cannot simultaneously clean differently oriented surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device is segmented into multiple functional modules: a bottom cleaning assembly with brushes for the bottom surface, and deployable sidewall cleaning assemblies with oscillating brushes for vertical surfaces. Each module can operate independently, allowing the device to adapt to different cleaning needs while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The sidewall cleaning assemblies are designed to be dynamically deployable from a retracted position to an extended cleaning position. The oscillating brushes can engage and disengage from sidewalls on demand, allowing the device to transition between cleaning different surfaces without permanent structural modifications, thus improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
2Productivity
If multiple cleaning surfaces are targeted simultaneously, then cleaning efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple cleaning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cleaning functions are merged into a single integrated robotic platform. The bottom cleaning assembly and sidewall cleaning assemblies share common components including the robotic chassis, drive system, power supply, and control electronics. This consolidation allows simultaneous cleaning of multiple surfaces while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device is designed as a multi-functional system that can clean both horizontal bottom surfaces and vertical sidewall surfaces using a unified platform. The universal design allows the same device to perform multiple cleaning tasks that would traditionally require different specialized devices, thereby improving productivity without linearly increasing complexity
3Reliability
If sidewall brushes are positioned vertically to engage sidewall surfaces, then cleaning effectiveness on vertical surfaces improves, but the device height and overall size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewall cleaning assemblies are nested within the body of the robotic device when not in use, with the oscillating brushes retracted into the housing. When cleaning is required, the assemblies deploy outward to engage the sidewall surfaces. This nesting approach allows vertical brush positioning for effective sidewall cleaning while minimizing the device's overall height and footprint during storage and transport
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic cleaning device, along with associated systems and methods of using the same, is described. The device may include a body portion that may define a top surface, a bottom surface, and a continuous sidewall surface. An example device may further include a drive system that propels the robotic device. An example device may further include two or more bottom brushes. An example device may further include a continuous opening that extends around the sidewall surface. An example device may further include a pair of sidewall brushes that may oscillate along the opening.