Detachable Spin Mop Module for Uneven Floor Robot Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robot cleaners face difficulties in increasing friction with the floor for effective wiping, are inconvenient for rag attachment and detachment, and struggle with uneven surfaces, requiring separate detachment of multiple rags and lacking a stable suspension system for smooth operation.

Innovation Solution

A robot cleaner design featuring a detachable mop module with spin mops that rotate for increased friction, a modular connection system for easy rag attachment and detachment, and a tilting frame for suspension and water delivery, allowing for both dry and wet-type cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a general cleaner uses a heavy body structure, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because users must turn the heavy cleaner over to attach or detach rags

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidease of rag attachment and detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaner is divided into a main body and a detachable mop module. The mop module can be easily removed and attached without turning over the entire cleaner, while the main body remains stable during operation. This segmentation allows the heavy stable structure to be separated from the lightweight removable cleaning component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If multiple rags are used on the cleaner, then cleaning coverage is improved, but device complexity increases because each rag must be detached separately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidcomplexity of rag detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple rags are integrated into a single detachable mop module. All rags can be removed together by detaching one module, rather than separately removing each rag. This merging simplifies the detachment process while maintaining multiple cleaning surfaces for comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If the cleaner uses a fixed rigid structure, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because it cannot handle uneven floor surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural precisionVSAvoidadaptability to uneven surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaner incorporates a tilting mop module that can dynamically adjust its angle relative to the main body. This allows the cleaning head to adapt to uneven floor surfaces while the main body maintains its precise manufactured structure. The dynamic tilting mechanism provides flexibility without compromising overall structural precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the cleaner uses a simple connection structure for the mop module, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the connection may not be stable during cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of module detachmentVSAvoidstability of connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure uses localized engagement features at specific points on the mop module and main body. These localized connection points provide stable mechanical engagement during cleaning operations, while the overall detachment process remains simple. The local quality of the connection points ensures reliability without complicating the overall operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enhances wiping efficiency, simplifies rag replacement, provides stable operation on uneven surfaces, and maintains effective cleaning performance with improved friction and suspension mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

increase a frictional force between a rag and a floor surface so that a cleaner may wipe and travel effectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

When the general cleaner wipes an uneven floor surface, there is a problem in that it is difficult to wipe a concave portion, and shock at the portion may not be absorbed, thereby causing failure to the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3666151B1cleaner
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3666151B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3666151B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3666151B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A robot cleaner of the present invention includes: a body which forms an outer appearance; and a mop module which is detachably connected to the body. The mop module includes: a pair of spin mops which contacts a floor while rotating clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from a top; and a module housing which connects the pair of spin mops.