Robotic Vacuum Dust Bin Docking Without a Lid Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vacuum cleaners lack a specific driving source for opening and closing the dust disposal port, leading to issues with installation space, weight, and cost, particularly in autonomous robotic vacuum cleaning units.
Innovation Solution
An electric vacuum cleaner design that utilizes the propulsive force of the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaning unit to fluidically connect the dust container with a station, employing a lever and disposal lid mechanism that opens without a motor, allowing dust transfer through a dust transfer pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an independent driving source such as a motor is provided for opening and closing the disposal lid, then the dust disposal port can be reliably opened and closed, but the installation space in the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaning unit increases, the weight increases, and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disposal lid opens automatically by utilizing the propulsive force generated when the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaning unit moves forward. The propulsive force itself serves the dual purpose of both moving the unit and opening the disposal lid, eliminating the need for a separate driving source.
Solution Approach 2:
A lever mechanism acts as an intermediary between the propulsive force and the disposal lid. The lever converts the propulsive force into rotational motion that opens the disposal lid, serving as a mechanical mediator that translates one type of motion into another.
2Reliability
If a motor is added to open and close the disposal lid, then the dust disposal function is improved, but the weight of the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaning unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own propulsive force to open the disposal lid, making the opening mechanism self-powered without requiring additional motors or power sources that would increase weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor function for opening the disposal lid is extracted from the main body of the vacuum cleaner and replaced by an external propulsive force, removing the unnecessary component and its associated weight.
3Reliability
If a motor is added for disposal lid operation, then the dust disposal port can be controlled, but the installation space in the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaning unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsive force generated by the vacuum cleaner's movement is utilized to open the disposal lid, eliminating the need for a separate motor and its associated installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsive force serves multiple functions: it moves the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaning unit forward and simultaneously opens the disposal lid. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated space for a separate opening mechanism.
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 solution reduces the need for additional components, saves space and weight, and lowers assembly costs while ensuring efficient dust transfer, enhancing the overall efficiency and maintainability of the vacuum cleaner.
Implementation Method 1
fluidic connection between the dust container in the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaning unit and the station by utilizing a propulsive force of the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaning unit moving to a dust discharge position
Implementation Method 2
The disposal lid and the lever of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the present invention swing around a rotation center line crossing a direction toward a home position of the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaning unit
Implementation Method 3
allows the dust collected by the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaning unit to fall by its own weight and collects it into a dust container in the station
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vacuum cleaner in which a dust container inside an autonomous robotic vacuum cleaning unit can be fluidically connected to a station using propulsive force of the cleaning unit moving to a dust discharge position. The cleaning unit includes a body case, and a primary dust container including: a container body accumulating dust collected by the cleaning unit; a disposal port discharging dust from inside the container body; and a disposal lid opening and closing the disposal port. The station includes a dust transfer pipe connected to the disposal port of the primary dust container; a lever hooked by the disposal lid while the cleaning unit is homing, opening the disposal lid and connecting the disposal port and the dust transfer pipe; and a secondary dust container in which dust discharged from the primary dust container through the dust transfer pipe is accumulated.