Robotic floor cleaning device with motor for controlled liquid release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic floor cleaning devices lack a controlled mechanism for releasing mopping liquid, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage due to uncontrolled leakage, and require additional equipment for controlled dispensing, increasing maintenance and cost.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robotic floor cleaning device equipped with a motorized, electronically-controlled liquid release mechanism that uses a rotatable cylinder and motor to control the release of liquid based on processor inputs from sensors and user settings, ensuring liquid is only released under predetermined conditions and at controlled flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a controlled liquid release mechanism is implemented, then liquid leakage is prevented and cleaning efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid release mechanism automatically activates based on the robot's movement state without requiring external control systems. The mechanism self-regulates liquid release by detecting whether the robot is in motion or stationary, eliminating the need for complex electronic controllers while preventing leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a simple mechanical detection mechanism that senses robot movement and automatically controls liquid release. This mechanical substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable leakage prevention
2Ease of operation
If additional equipment is added for controlled dispensing, then liquid release control is improved, but maintenance requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses the robot's existing movement capability to trigger liquid release, requiring no additional control equipment. The system maintains ease of operation by leveraging already-present robotic functions rather than adding new components that would require maintenance
3Productivity
If liquid is freely released without control, then cleaning coverage is maximized, but liquid consumption efficiency decreases and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid release mechanism operates periodically based on the robot's movement cycles, releasing liquid only during appropriate phases of operation. This periodic action ensures adequate cleaning coverage while preventing excessive liquid consumption and accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid release rate dynamically adjusts based on the robot's movement state, increasing release during motion for effective cleaning and decreasing or stopping release when stationary to prevent waste and leakage. This dynamic control optimizes both cleaning coverage and liquid 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 provides efficient and controlled liquid release, reducing waste and maintenance needs, while ensuring safety by preventing liquid from being dispensed on inappropriate surfaces or when users are present, optimizing cleaning cycles based on user preferences and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a motorized, electronically-controlled liquid release mechanism that uses a rotatable cylinder and motor
Data Source
AI summary
A mop module of a robot, including: a liquid reservoir for storing liquid; and an electronically-controlled liquid release mechanism; wherein: the electronically-controlled liquid release mechanism releases liquid from the liquid reservoir for mopping a work surface; operation and a schedule of operation of the electronically-controlled liquid release mechanism in at least one area is controlled by a processor of the robot within which the mop module is installed or based on input provided to an application of a communication device paired with the robot; a liquid flow rate depends on at least an amount of power delivered to the electronically-controlled liquid release mechanism; and the liquid flow rate for the at least one area is determined by the processor of the robot within which the mop module is installed or an input provided to the application of the communication device paired with the robot.