Self-propelled, dust-collecting robot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-propelled dust-collecting robots have short continuous usage times due to single battery designs, requiring frequent charging and incurring costs and labor for managing multiple battery models, and often suffer from stability issues during operation.

Innovation Solution

A self-propelled dust-collecting robot powered by versatile rechargeable battery packs designed for power tools, allowing for extended usage time, reduced charging frequency, and improved stability through balanced battery placement and interchangeable packs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a single dedicated rechargeable battery is used in the robot, then the battery design can be optimized for the specific robot model, but the continuous usage time is short and charging frequency is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous usage timeVSAvoidcharging frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple battery packs that can be used alternately. The robot is equipped with a first battery pack and a second battery pack, allowing the system to switch between them when one is depleted, thereby extending the overall continuous usage time and reducing charging frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The battery packs are designed with universal compatibility across different robot models within the same series. The battery pack structure, connection terminals, and control interface are standardized, allowing a single battery pack design to serve multiple robot models, reducing development costs and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple dedicated battery designs are prepared for different robot models, then each model can have optimized power supply, but costs and labor for managing battery variety increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply optimizationVSAvoidbattery management cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The battery pack is designed as a universal component that can be used across multiple robot models. The standardized connection terminals, communication protocols, and physical interfaces allow the same battery pack design to power different robot models, eliminating the need to manufacture and manage multiple battery variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery pack design allows for parameter adjustments (such as capacity, voltage, or configuration) while maintaining the same basic structure and interface. This enables adaptation to different robot power requirements without creating entirely new battery designs, thus reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If the battery is arranged in a compact configuration, then the robot structure is compact, but the center of gravity is offset and stability during movement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobot compactnessVSAvoidmovement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The battery packs are arranged in an asymmetric configuration relative to the robot's centerline, with one battery pack positioned more toward the front and the other toward the rear. This asymmetric placement allows the combined center of gravity to be positioned optimally for stability during movement, while still maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The battery packs are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration that utilizes vertical and lateral space efficiently. By distributing the battery packs across different spatial dimensions rather than simply placing them side-by-side, the design achieves both compactness and proper weight distribution for stable movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11564545B2Self-propelled, dust-collecting robot
Publication Date: 2023.01.31 MAKITA CORP
  • US11564545B2 patent drawing
  • US11564545B2 patent drawing
  • US11564545B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A self-propelled, dust-collecting robot includes a main-body part including a dust collection box, and a first battery pack, which has a case, at least one battery cell in the case, a control circuit board having a controller mounted in the case, and a discharge terminal. The main body part includes a first battery pack mount having a connector to which the first battery pack is removably connectable. The first battery pack is configured for use in an electric power tool.