Mopping extension for a robotic vacuum

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current robotic floor cleaning devices require multiple devices for vacuuming and mopping, leading to high costs, maintenance, and longer cleaning times, as they are designed for single functions and need to be used sequentially.

Innovation Solution

A removable mopping extension that can be attached to an automated robotic vacuum, allowing simultaneous vacuuming and mopping by dragging a dampened cloth across the surface, with optional features like ultrasonic fluid delivery and vibration, enabling efficient cleaning without the need for separate devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate robotic devices for vacuuming and mopping are used individually, then each device can perform its specialized function, but the cost of ownership increases, maintenance requirements increase, and cleaning time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning function versatilityVSAvoidnumber of devices required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines vacuuming and mopping functions into a single robotic device. The robotic vacuum cleaner is equipped with both a vacuuming system (brushes, suction) and a mopping system (mop head, water tank, wringing mechanism), allowing one device to perform both cleaning functions that previously required separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic device is designed with universal cleaning capabilities by integrating multiple cleaning mechanisms. The device can switch between vacuuming mode (using brushes and suction for dry debris) and mopping mode (using a water-moistened mop head for wet cleaning), making it a multi-functional cleaning robot that replaces multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate robotic devices for vacuuming and mopping are used sequentially, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but the total cleaning time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic device enables continuous cleaning action by eliminating the need to switch between separate devices. The single device can continuously clean surfaces with appropriate mechanisms (brushes for dry areas, mop for wet areas) without interruption, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the cleaning process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates dynamic adaptability by allowing the mop head to be raised or lowered based on cleaning needs. The wringing mechanism dynamically adjusts moisture levels in real-time during operation, and the device can switch between vacuuming and mopping modes dynamically during the cleaning cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple floor-cleaning robots are used to thoroughly clean an area, then comprehensive cleaning coverage is achieved, but the cost and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoiddevice functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges vacuuming and mopping functionalities into one integrated robotic system. The device includes both vacuuming components (suction fan, filters, brushes) and mopping components (mop head, water reservoir, wringing mechanism), allowing a single device to provide comprehensive cleaning coverage that previously required multiple specialized robots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 multiple robots, minimizes maintenance, and significantly decreases the time required to complete a comprehensive cleaning job while enhancing cleaning effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

A cloth positioned on the mopping extension is dragged along the work surface as the automated robotic vacuum drives through the area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The mopping extension may be caused to vibrate during operation by a set of ultrasonic oscillators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

In some embodiments, nozzles direct fluid from a cleaning fluid reservoir to the mopping cloth. The dampened mopping cloth may further improve cleaning efficiency.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS10292553B1Mopping extension for a robotic vacuum

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 BOBSWEEP

AI summary

A mopping extension attachable to a robotic vacuum. The mopping extension comprising, at minimum, a frame, a cloth, and a mechanism to secure the frame to the body of the robotic vacuum. The mopping extension may be installed in a dedicated compartment within the robotic vacuum body such that the cloth is dragged along the work surface as the robotic vacuum travels through the work area. In some embodiments, the mopping extension further comprises a means to automatically dampen the cloth to further improve cleaning efficiency. In some embodiments, the mopping extension further comprises means to move the mopping extension back and forth during operation to further improve cleaning efficiency. In some embodiments, the mopping extension further comprises a means to disengage and engage the mopping extension as the robotic vacuum is working.