Spin Mop Cleaner Layout for Stable Straight-Line Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners face issues with stability, straight-line travel, speed limitations, and the inability to perform mopping operations without rotating or moving linearly, as well as inefficiencies in moisture removal and the need for combined wet and dry cleaning capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A cleaner design featuring a first cleaning module with left and right spin mops and a second cleaning module with a rolling member, allowing for autonomous travel without a separate driving wheel, enhanced stability, and the ability to perform both wet and dry mopping operations, including sterilization, by controlling the rotation of the mops and rolling member to generate frictional forces for movement and using a water supply module for efficient water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a robot cleaner is supported by a pair of left and right mops in a two-point support manner, then the structure is simplified, but stability in the forward-and-backward direction is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into three independent contact points: left mop, right mop, and rolling member. This segmentation allows each component to contribute differently to stability, with the rolling member providing a rear support point that prevents backward tipping while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling member is positioned in the forward-and-backward direction at the rear of the cleaner, adding a dimensional element to the support structure. This rear support point creates a triangular support base that enhances stability in the forward-and-backward direction without complicating the lateral support system
2Device complexity
If the robot cleaner moves via rotation of a pair of left and right mops, then the structure is simplified, but frictional force varies frequently making straight-line travel difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling member acts as an intermediary driving element between the mop rotation system and the floor. By providing a dedicated rolling contact point at the rear, it mediates the frictional force generation, ensuring more stable and predictable traction for straight-line travel while the mops handle lateral positioning and mopping functions
3Device complexity
If the robot cleaner uses rotation of left and right mops for movement, then the design is simplified, but limitations are imposed on traveling speed and traveling route
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically coordinates the rotation speeds and directions of the left mop, right mop, and rolling member independently. This dynamic control allows the cleaner to achieve variable traveling speeds, navigate different routes including tight spaces near walls, and perform complex maneuvers like mopping while stationary by differential rotation of the three driving elements
4Device complexity
If the robot cleaner performs mopping operation by rotating in place or moving linearly, then the mechanism is simplified, but the ability to mop while staying in place is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mopping function is dynamically decoupled from translational movement by enabling independent rotation of the left and right spin mops. The rolling member provides stable rear support that allows the spin mops to rotate in place without causing unwanted body movement, enabling effective mopping while the cleaner remains stationary
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 design enhances stability and mopping efficiency, enables straight-line travel, and allows for various traveling speeds and routes, effectively removes moisture, and combines cleaning operations, improving the overall cleaning performance of the robot cleaner.
Implementation Method 1
the left spin mop and the right spin mop are controlled to rotate to generate a forward-movement frictional force while the rolling member is controlled to rotate in a counterclockwise rotation direction when viewed from the right side to generate a backward-movement frictional force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A cleaner is disclosed. The cleaner includes a first cleaning module including a left spin mop and a right spin mop provided so as to come into contact with a floor while rotating in a clockwise direction or in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from an upper side, a second cleaning module configured so as to come into contact with the floor at a position spaced apart from the left spin mop and the right spin mop in a forward-and-backward direction, a body supported by the first cleaning module and the second cleaning module, and a water supply module configured to supply water to the first cleaning module and including a water tank disposed inside the body. Water supplied by the water supply module reaches the first cleaning module before reaching the floor.