Robotic surface cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic surface cleaners lack the ability to efficiently switch between different cleaning modes and surface types within a workspace, such as transitioning from dry vacuuming to wet mopping, without manual intervention or complex user configuration.
Innovation Solution
A robotic surface cleaner system with a removable mop accessory that includes a vapor generator and fluid reservoir, allowing for automatic detection of the accessory and switching between cleaning modes based on surface type, using a logic device and energy sources to control vapor dispensing and suction operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic surface cleaner is designed to perform both dry vacuuming and wet mopping functions, then cleaning versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple cleaning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic surface cleaner is designed with a universal platform that can perform both dry vacuuming and wet mopping functions by integrating multiple cleaning mechanisms (suction source, vapor generator, fluid reservoir) into a single system that can switch between operating modes based on the attached accessory
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is divided into separate modular components including a main body with suction source, a removable mop accessory with vapor generator and fluid reservoir, allowing independent functionality of each module while enabling combined operation when assembled together
2Ease of operation
If the robotic surface cleaner automatically detects and switches between cleaning modes, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to detection and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic surface cleaner automatically detects the presence of the mop accessory through the connection interface and self-configures to switch between dry and wet cleaning modes without requiring user intervention or complex manual programming
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface provides feedback signals to the control system when the mop accessory is attached or removed, enabling automatic detection and triggering of mode switching between vacuuming and mopping operations
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
Enables seamless switching between dry and wet cleaning operations on different surfaces within a workspace, enhancing cleaning efficiency and adaptability without user intervention, by automatically detecting and configuring the mop accessory and energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
a vapor generator in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; heating at least some of a fluid of the fluid reservoir via the vapor generator
Implementation Method 2
a vapor generator in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; dispensing vapor through an outlet port of the mop accessory
Data Source
AI summary
Robotic surface cleaners, mop accessories for robotic surface cleaners, and methods associated therewith are provided. A mop accessory includes a fluid reservoir that contains a fluid. The fluid reservoir can be in fluid communication with a vapor generator. An outlet port in fluid communication with the vapor generator can dispense vapor from the vapor generator to a floor surface. An energy source can be coupled to the mop accessory and in electrical communication with the vapor generator. The mop accessory can be removably attachable to a main body of a robotic surface cleaner at a connection interface of the robotic surface cleaner.