Vacuum cleaning system with a robotic vacuum cleaner unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic vacuum cleaners with integrated vacuum sources and dust collecting compartments are limited by size, weight, and power consumption, hindering their ability to reach narrow spaces and requiring complex docking stations for recharging and emptying.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaning system with a robotic vacuum cleaner unit connected to a central unit via flexible suction hoses, utilizing a powerful vacuum source at the central unit, allowing the robotic unit to be compact and lightweight, and featuring magnetic or swivelling couplings for easy docking and undocking at multiple stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional robotic vacuum cleaners are used, then automated cleaning is achieved, but they cannot be effectively used in hard-to-reach areas such as behind furniture or in corners
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into two independent units: a robotic vacuum cleaner for open areas and a handheld vacuum cleaner for hard-to-reach areas. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, with the robotic unit providing automated cleaning and the handheld unit providing access to corners and behind furniture.
Solution Approach 2:
A docking station serves as an intermediary between the robotic and handheld vacuum cleaners. The docking station enables automatic docking, battery charging, and debris transfer between the two units, allowing them to work together as an integrated system while maintaining operational independence.
2Productivity
If robotic vacuum cleaners with sensors and navigation systems are equipped, then cleaning coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station serves multiple functions: it acts as a charging station for both units, a debris transfer station, and a control hub. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and minimizes overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage.
3Ease of operation
If the robotic vacuum cleaner operates autonomously, then hands-free operation is achieved, but it cannot adapt to changing cleaning needs or be manually controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between autonomous robotic operation and manual handheld control based on cleaning needs. The docking station enables seamless transition between modes, allowing the system to adapt from hands-free automated cleaning to user-controlled targeted cleaning without requiring separate systems.
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 efficient cleaning in narrow spaces with reduced power consumption, prolonged operation, and simplified docking and recharging, facilitating seamless movement between stations.
Implementation Method 1
a suction mechanism configured to generate a pressure difference between a source of the particles and a discharge of the particles
Data Source
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AI summary
A vacuum cleaning system comprising: - a robotic vacuum cleaner unit (30); - one or more docking stations (20) for the robotic vacuum cleaner unit; - one or more suction hoses (2) connected to a central unit (3), each suction hose being storable in a storage space (7) in or adjacent to one of the docking stations and being provided with an end fitting (10) having a first coupling part (14a) that is connectable to a second coupling part on the robotic vacuum cleaner unit. The end fitting is received in a holder (27) in the docking station when the suction hose is in a retracted end position in the storage space. The second coupling part is connectable to and disconnectable from the first coupling part (14a) when the end fitting is received in said holder and the robotic vacuum cleaner unit is positioned in a predefined docking position in the docking station.