Rotating Mop Water Supply Using Centrifugal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners face inefficiencies in wet mopping due to uneven water distribution, moisture accumulation on the floor, and wastage of water during the mopping process, leading to inconvenient and inefficient cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A cleaner design featuring a rotating plate with a water supply reservoir and a system for continuous water supply to the mop unit, utilizing centrifugal force for efficient water distribution and minimizing waste, while allowing for both wet and dry mopping capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water is sprayed on the floor for wet mopping, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but moisture accumulates on the floor causing inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mop as an intermediary between the water supply and the floor. Instead of spraying water directly onto the floor, water is supplied to the mop which then transfers it to the floor surface through controlled contact, preventing moisture accumulation while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the water application function from direct floor spraying and relocates it to the mop unit. The water supply module supplies water to the mop separately, which then applies water only where needed during mopping contact, eliminating unnecessary moisture on the floor
2Productivity
If a mop is wetted with water in advance, then initial mopping effectiveness is improved, but moisture becomes insufficient in later stages requiring re-wetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous water supply to the mop during the mopping process. The water supply module continuously provides water to the mop unit, ensuring that the mop maintains sufficient moisture throughout the entire mopping operation without requiring interruption for re-wetting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares water in advance by storing it in a water tank and making it available through the water supply module before mopping begins. This preliminary preparation ensures water is ready to be supplied continuously to the mop from the start of the operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If water is supplied to the mop, then wet mopping capability is improved, but water may be wasted or scattered during the supply process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent supplies water locally to the mop unit rather than flooding the entire area. The water supply module targets water delivery precisely to the mop where it is needed, and the controlled application during mopping prevents water waste and scattering on the floor
4Speed
If a robot cleaner uses mop surfaces for movement, then mobility is achieved, but frictional force may be insufficient for effective mopping and driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the mop from dry to wet by continuously supplying water. The wet mop increases frictional force with the floor surface, providing sufficient force for both effective mopping and driving the robot cleaner, while the controlled water application prevents excessive slipperiness that would reduce mobility
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 ensures continuous and efficient water supply to the mop, reducing moisture on the floor, improving mopping efficiency, and allowing for effective cleaning with minimal water wastage, while maintaining operational integrity and versatility in cleaning modes.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing centrifugal force for efficient water distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaner includes a body forming an external appearance, a rotating plate provided at a lower side of the body, a mop unit coupled to a lower side of the rotating plate so as to be in contact with a floor, a spin shaft connected to an upper side of the rotating plate so as to rotate the rotating plate, a water supply reservoir configured to surround a periphery of the spin shaft and spaced apart from the spin shaft so as to define a water supply space, and a water supply module configured to supply water to the water supply space. The rotating plate forms a water supply hole configured to interconnect the water supply space and the lower side of the rotating plate.