Robotic floor cleaning device with controlled liquid release mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic floor cleaning devices face issues with uncontrolled mopping liquid leakage when stationary, leading to inefficient liquid consumption and potential damage, and require additional equipment for controlled dispensing, increasing maintenance and cost.
Innovation Solution
A controlled liquid releasing mechanism where a rotatable cylinder with apertures, connected to a non-propelling wheel, releases mopping liquid only during device operation by rotating with the wheel, preventing leakage and optimizing liquid flow through a drainage mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uncontrolled liquid release mechanism is used, then liquid is always available for mopping, but liquid leaks when device is stationary and consumption is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, always-open liquid release mechanism to a dynamic one where the release valve is controlled by wheel rotation. The valve opens only when the wheel rotates (indicating device is in motion) and closes when the wheel stops, making the liquid release state dynamic and conditioned on device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel rotation serves as a feedback signal to control the liquid release valve. When the wheel rotates, it activates the valve to open; when rotation stops, the valve closes. This feedback mechanism ensures liquid is released only during active operation, preventing waste during stationary periods.
2Reliability
If controlled liquid dispensing is implemented through nozzle or valve by controller means, then liquid leakage is prevented, but additional equipment is required increasing maintenance and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel serves multiple functions: it is both the propulsion/rolling element of the device and the actuator for the liquid release valve. By making the wheel multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate controllers, motors, or sensors to control liquid release, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational motion (wheel rotation) to control the liquid release mechanism. The wheel's rotation during normal operation automatically opens the valve, and stopping automatically closes it. This self-service approach eliminates external control systems, reducing complexity and maintenance requirements.
3Productivity
If liquid is released continuously, then mopping surface is consistently wet, but liquid accumulates and risks damage to robotic device
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous liquid release, the system implements periodic release synchronized with wheel rotation. Liquid is dispensed in pulses corresponding to rotation cycles, ensuring consistent mopping coverage over time while preventing accumulation. The periodic action matches the operational rhythm of the device.
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 liquid delivery onto the surface only when the device is in motion, reducing waste and maintenance costs by integrating the liquid release mechanism with the robotic device's wheel rotation, thereby preventing unwanted leakage and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid will flow out of the aperture by means of gravity, pass through the passage, and enter the drainage mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic floor cleaning device that features a controlled liquid releasing mechanism. A rotatable cylinder with at least one aperture for storing a limited quantity of liquid is connected to a non-propelling wheel of the robotic floor cleaning device. There is a passage below the cylinder and between the cylinder and a drainage mechanism. The cylinder is within or adjacent to a liquid reservoir. Each time an aperture is exposed to the liquid within the reservoir it fills with liquid. As the wheel turns the connected cylinder is rotated until the aperture is adjacent to the passage. The liquid in the aperture will flow through the passage and enter the drainage mechanism which disperses the liquid to the working surface. The release of liquid is halted when the connected wheel stops turning.