Self-propelled device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional window cleaning methods and robots face challenges such as unstable suspension frames, ineffective cleaning due to mild water streams, and the risk of falling off windows due to air leaks from suction disks.

Innovation Solution

A self-propelled device with a body design that includes a suction disk, a carrier board, a moving module, an air extraction module, and air pressure sensors, which allows the device to move on a panel surface while maintaining suction and preventing falls by detecting air pressure changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a suction disk is used to attach the cleaning robot to the window surface, then the robot can move on the window, but air may leak out when the robot exceeds the window edge, causing the robot to fall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidair leak

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suction disk is divided into multiple independent suction cavities (first suction cavity, second suction cavity, third suction cavity) separated by partition walls. This segmentation ensures that if air leaks occur at one location, other cavities maintain negative pressure and continue providing attachment force, preventing complete detachment and fall of the robot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors negative pressure in each suction cavity and issues warnings or stops movement before air leakage causes detachment. This preliminary detection and intervention prevents the harmful effect of air leak from developing into complete attachment failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If conventional cleaning robots use a single suction space, then the structure is simple, but air leakage causes complete loss of attachment force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction structure complexityVSAvoidattachment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single suction space is segmented into multiple independent suction cavities with separate negative pressure control. This increases structural complexity but provides redundancy - if one cavity loses vacuum, others maintain attachment, significantly improving reliability and preventing falls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Negative pressure sensors in each suction cavity provide feedback to the control system, enabling real-time monitoring and independent control of each cavity's vacuum level. This feedback mechanism maintains optimal attachment force while detecting early signs of air leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If suspension frames are used for building window cleaning, then staff can reach high windows, but the frames have unstable center of gravity and swing when blown by wind

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to high windowsVSAvoidframe stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is self-propelled and self-stabilizing, using its own suction force to attach to the window surface without external suspension frames. The distributed suction cavities create stable attachment that resists wind-induced swinging, eliminating the need for staff-operated unstable frames.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If mild water streams are used to prevent slipping and injury, then safety is improved, but windows are not thoroughly cleaned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslipping and injury riskVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical water jet system is replaced with a self-propelled robot using suction-based attachment and mechanical brushing. The robot maintains firm attachment through negative pressure in multiple suction cavities, enabling effective mechanical cleaning without high-pressure water streams that cause slipping hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device effectively cleans surfaces by maintaining suction and preventing falls, ensuring thorough cleaning and safety by detecting air pressure changes and adjusting its movement accordingly.

Implementation Method 1

an air extraction module, disposed on the body, being in communication with the first space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

an air pressure sensor disposed on a side of the second space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pressure detection: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentUS12303081B2Self-propelled device

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 HOBOT TECH INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a self-propelled device. The self-propelled device includes: a body defining a first space and a second space in communication with the first space, wherein the volume of the second space is less than the volume of the first space and the second space is closer to an edge of the body than the first space; a moving module adjacent to the body; an air extraction module disposed on the body and in communication with the first space; and an air pressure sensor disposed on a side of the second space. The self-propelled device is configured to move on a panel surface.