Rotating Cleaning Plate for Faster Robotic Vacuum Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous robotic surface cleaning devices often require repeat coverage of surfaces to ensure thorough cleaning, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational time, as existing solutions like denser brushes and more powerful motors or repetitive movement patterns either fail to completely clean debris or extend service time.
Innovation Solution
A robotic surface cleaning device equipped with a rotating assembly, including a plate supported by a base within the casing, an electrical motor, and cleaning apparatuses mounted on the plate, which rotates to enhance coverage and cleaning efficiency by passing over areas multiple times, combined with advanced sensors and navigation systems for optimal path planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robotic vacuums are equipped with denser brushes and more powerful vacuuming motors, then cleaning capability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by implementing a rotating assembly that can rotate the plate with cleaning apparatuses in addition to the standard forward movement. This dynamic rotation mechanism allows the cleaning apparatuses to pass over the same area multiple times from different angles, improving cleaning capability without requiring denser brushes or more powerful motors. The rotation is controlled by a rotating mechanism that can be activated based on cleaning needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Another dimension principle by adding rotational motion as a new dimension to the cleaning process. Instead of relying solely on linear forward movement, the cleaning apparatuses are mounted on a plate that rotates, creating orbital and rotational paths that cover the cleaning area from multiple angles. This dimensional change improves cleaning thoroughness without increasing brush density or motor power.
2Reliability
If movement patterns with repeat coverage are implemented, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating assembly provides dynamic repeat coverage by rotating the plate with cleaning apparatuses during forward movement. This creates multiple passes over the same area in a single traversal, achieving thorough cleaning without requiring the robot to return to the same location multiple times. The rotation speed and duration can be optimized to balance cleaning thoroughness with operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating assembly enables continuous useful action by performing cleaning functions during the entire forward movement of the robot. The rotation occurs continuously as the robot moves forward, ensuring that every area covered receives multiple cleaning angles without pausing or repeating paths, thereby maintaining continuous productive cleaning action.
3Productivity
If cleaning apparatuses are mounted on a rotating plate, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Merging principle by combining the rotation function with the existing plate structure that supports cleaning apparatuses. The plate serves dual purposes: as a mounting surface for cleaning apparatuses and as a rotating element that provides enhanced coverage. This merging reduces the need for separate rotating mechanisms and simplifies the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a structural support for mounting cleaning apparatuses and as a rotating component that enhances cleaning coverage. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions, reducing the number of separate parts needed and minimizing device complexity while maintaining improved cleaning efficiency.
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 rotating assembly ensures more thorough cleaning by increasing the contact area and friction with the surface, while sensors and navigation systems optimize path efficiency, reducing the need for repeat coverage and enhancing overall cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical motor coupled to the axle to rotate the plate
Implementation Method 2
The rotating assembly ensures more thorough cleaning by increasing the contact area and friction with the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic surface cleaning device is provided, including a casing, a chassis, a set of wheels coupled to the chassis to drive the robotic surface cleaning device, a control system to instruct movement of the set of wheels, a battery to provide power to the robotic surface cleaning device, one or more sensors, a processor, rotating assembly, including a plate supported by a base of the casing, rotating mechanism to rotate the plate; and one or more cleaning apparatuses mounted to a first side of the plate.