Vacuum robot and method for controlling same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic vacuum cleaners face performance reduction due to filter clogging, requiring manual cleaning of the second separating unit, which is inconvenient and unhygienic for users.

Innovation Solution

An automatic cleaning device is integrated on the second separating unit to remove deposited dust and dirt particles, preventing clogging and maintaining suction power without user intervention, utilizing translational or rotary movements and driven by either the primary or secondary drive device, or via a charging station interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a second separating unit (filter element) is used to separate fine dust particles, then cleaning performance is improved, but the filter element becomes clogged with dust particles, reducing suction air volume flow and cleaning performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation of fine dust particlesVSAvoidsuction air volume flow
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element performs self-cleaning by utilizing the suction air flow that passes through it. The suction air flow automatically removes dust particles from the filter element surface, enabling the filter to maintain its separation function without external intervention or manual cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses the suction air flow (gas flow) generated by the vacuum robot to clean the filter element. The moving suction air flow acts as a pneumatic cleaning mechanism that removes dust particles from the filter surface, preventing clogging while maintaining separation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If manual cleaning of the second separating unit is required, then filter performance can be restored, but user convenience deteriorates and maintenance becomes unhygienic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter performanceVSAvoiduser maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element automatically cleans itself using the suction air flow, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. This self-service mechanism prevents dust accumulation on the filter while avoiding direct contact between the user and dust particles, thereby maintaining filter performance and improving user convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures continuous high suction power and reduces user maintenance by automatically cleaning the second separating unit, extending filter life and maintaining cleaning performance.

Implementation Method 1

a blower unit for generating a suction air flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction air flow generation:

Implementation Method 2

a first separating unit for separating particles from the suction air flow, wherein the first separating unit separates larger dust and dirt particles from the suction air flow by the influence of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity separation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

The second separating unit is designed as a filter element, which separates dust and dirt particles from the suction air flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 4

The cleaning device is designed to remove dust and dirt particles that have been deposited on or in the second separating unit during the cleaning operation of the robotic vacuum cleaner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical cleaning through translational or rotary movement:

Data Source

PatentEP3581082B1Vacuum robot and method for controlling same
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP3581082B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3581082B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3581082B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a robotic vacuum cleaner for autonomously cleaning floor surfaces, wherein the robotic vacuum cleaner has a first drive unit for moving across floor surfaces, wherein the robotic vacuum cleaner has a blower unit for generating a suction airflow, wherein the robotic vacuum cleaner has a first separation unit for separating particles from the suction airflow, wherein the robotic vacuum cleaner has a second separation unit for separating particles from the suction airflow, and wherein the second separation unit is arranged downstream of the first separation unit.