Robotic Vacuum Dirt Enclosure for Docking Station Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic surface cleaning apparatuses face inefficiencies in dirt collection and battery life due to the need for alignment with docking stations and the presence of suction motors and filtration systems, which require redundant motion and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous surface cleaning apparatus with a dirt enclosing member that forms a closed container for collected dirt, allowing for external deposition without the need for alignment with a docking station, and a mechanical or pneumatic transfer mechanism to convey dirt to a docking station, eliminating the requirement for suction motors and filtration systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a robotic vacuum cleaner uses a docking station with suction motor and filtration system to collect dirt, then dirt can be removed from the cleaner, but the structure becomes complex and battery life is reduced due to redundant motion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The suction motor and filtration system are extracted from the docking station and replaced with a simple mechanical transfer mechanism. The dirt collection function is separated from the air processing functions, allowing the docking station to be simplified while maintaining dirt removal capability through the enclosed container transfer mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The dirt collection system is segmented into an enclosed container that can be independently transferred to the docking station. This separation allows the cleaning apparatus to deposit the container at external locations and return to the docking station only for container exchange, eliminating redundant motion and improving battery life
2Productivity
If the robotic vacuum cleaner must align with the docking station for dirt evacuation, then dirt can be transferred to the docking station, but redundant motion occurs reducing cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed container is prepared and sealed during the cleaning operation, allowing the cleaner to deposit it at an external location before returning to the docking station. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for alignment during dirt evacuation, reducing redundant motion and improving cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosed container acts as an intermediary carrier for dirt transfer. Instead of requiring direct alignment between the cleaner and docking station for air-based dirt removal, the sealed container serves as a mechanical intermediary that can be deposited and transferred independently, eliminating alignment requirements and redundant motion
3Use of energy by stationary object
If suction motor and filtration system are included in the docking station, then air treatment can be performed, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suction motor and filtration system are completely removed from the docking station. The air treatment function is replaced by a simple mechanical transfer mechanism that physically moves the enclosed container, dramatically reducing energy consumption and structural complexity of the stationary docking station
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosed container is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that encapsulates the dirt collection and transfer function. This allows the docking station to use a simple, low-cost mechanical transfer mechanism instead of expensive and energy-intensive suction and filtration 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
This design simplifies the structure of both the cleaning apparatus and docking station, improves battery life by reducing redundant motion, and enhances cleaning efficiency by allowing dirt to be deposited externally and transferred to a docking station without the need for suction or filtration.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical transfer member moveable through at least a portion of the air treatment unit, thereby dirt collected in the air treatment unit is conveyed to a docking station
Implementation Method 2
a pneumatic transfer member that directs air into the autonomous surface cleaning apparatus, so that dirt that has been collected inside the autonomous surface cleaning apparatus is conveyed into the docking station
Implementation Method 3
a suction motor that generates suction to move air through the air treatment unit
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cleaning a floor comprises providing an autonomous surface cleaning apparatus, positioning a plurality of docking stations at different locations on the floor wherein a first docking station has an absence of an evacuation mechanism and actuating the autonomous surface cleaning apparatus whereby the autonomous surface cleaning apparatus travels across the floor to clean at least a portion of the floor and recharges at the first docking station.