Robotic Vacuum Sensing Device with Dust Blocking and Rocker Arm Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic cleaning apparatuses face issues with dust accumulation in sensing devices and rocker arm reset mechanisms, leading to reduced reliability and sensitivity due to design flaws, which cause collisions and impact failures.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution includes a sensing device with a dust blocking member and a rocker arm that extends through the dust blocking member, coupled with an elastic reset mechanism to prevent dust entry and facilitate rocker arm reset, ensuring effective obstacle detection and apparatus navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rocker arm extends through the dust blocking member to trigger the sensing device, then the obstacle detection function is enabled, but dust accumulates in the sensing device causing reliability reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The dust blocking member serves as an intermediary element between the external environment and the sensing device interior. It selectively blocks dust particles while allowing the rocker arm to pass through and trigger the sensing device, thus protecting the internal components from dust accumulation while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the dust blocking member forms a protective barrier layer, the rocker arm acts as a mechanical transmission element, and the sensing components remain isolated in the protected interior. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while preventing dust contamination of sensitive elements.
2Reliability
If the rocker arm is used to trigger the sensing device upon collision, then obstacle detection is achieved, but the rocker arm fails to reset properly causing collision detection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic component is pre-loaded to store potential energy in a ready state. When the rocker arm is displaced by a collision, the elastic component automatically releases stored energy to propel the rocker arm back to its initial position, ensuring reliable reset without requiring external intervention or complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic reset mechanism enables the rocker arm to reset itself automatically after each collision event. The system is self-servicing in that the mechanical energy stored in the elastic component directly drives the reset action, eliminating the need for external power sources, motors, or complex control systems to restore the rocker arm to its initial state.
3Measurement precision
If the front housing is allowed to move freely upon obstacle contact, then the sensing device can detect the collision, but dust enters the sensing device through the moving interface
Solution Approach 1:
The dust blocking member functions as a flexible barrier that can deform elastically when the front housing moves upon collision. This flexibility allows the blocking member to accommodate the dynamic movement of the front housing and trigger the sensing device while maintaining continuous coverage to prevent dust particles from entering through the moving interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust blocking member is positioned in advance to cover the interface between the front housing and sensing device interior. It acts as a pre-established protective barrier that remains in place during normal operation and during collision events, preventing dust contamination before it can affect the sensing components.
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
The solution enhances the operational reliability of the automatic cleaning apparatus by preventing dust entry into the sensing device and ensuring proper reset of the rocker arm, thereby maintaining accurate obstacle detection and preventing collisions.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, a first end of which is connected to the fixed seat and a second end of which is connected to the front housing and capable of biasing the front housing toward an initial position of the front housing
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic cleaning apparatus includes: a chassis; a front housing arranged at a front end of the chassis; and a sensing device capable sensing movement of the front housing and sending a signal to a control mainboard of the automatic cleaning apparatus when the front housing touches an obstacle and moves relative to the chassis. The sensing device includes a dust blocking member and a rocker arm that triggers the sensing device to send the signal. The rocker arm has a first end rotatably arranged inside the sensing device, and a second end passing through the dust blocking member and extending out of the sensing device. A front housing reset device is arranged on the chassis and capable of biasing the front housing toward an initial position of the front housing.