Spin Mop Cleaner Layout for Stable Straight Travel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Robot cleaners with two-point support systems face instability and reduced frictional force during forward and backward travel, leading to difficulties in straight movement and increased occurrences of eccentric movement, while also struggling to effectively pick up large foreign substances during wiping operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cleaner design with a pair of spin mops symmetrically positioned relative to a central vertical plane, a collection module spaced apart from the mop module, and auxiliary wheels for enhanced stability and friction, allowing for efficient wet or dry wiping and improved load distribution for better travel performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a robot cleaner is supported by only two points (a pair of rags on left and right sides), then the structure is simple, but the stability in forward and backward traveling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into multiple independent supporting points: a pair of rags on left and right sides, plus auxiliary wheels at front and rear. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to different aspects of stability, with auxiliary wheels specifically enhancing forward-backward stability while rags provide lateral support and friction for movement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If more than two supporting points are used, then the stability is improved, but the frictional force generated by each supporting point is reduced due to load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
Different supporting points are assigned different functional qualities: rags are designed with high-friction material properties for effective friction-based movement, while auxiliary wheels are designed with rolling contact for stability without relying on friction. This local differentiation ensures that frictional force is concentrated where needed (at rag contact points) rather than being distributed across all supporting points.
3Speed
If a pair of rotating rag surfaces are used for travel, then the cleaner can move, but the frictional force frequently changes making it difficult to move straight
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two different movement mechanisms: friction-based movement from rotating rags and rolling movement from auxiliary wheels. The auxiliary wheels provide consistent rolling friction that acts as a stabilizing reference, helping the cleaner move straight while the rotating rags provide the primary propulsion force.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the center of gravity is leaned to one side for travel, then the cleaner can navigate, but eccentric movement occurs unexpectedly
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs asymmetric placement of supporting points (rags on sides, auxiliary wheels at front-rear) and asymmetric load distribution capabilities. This asymmetric configuration provides inherent stability against eccentric movement while still allowing controlled navigation, as the distributed supporting points create a stable polygon of support that resists unexpected tilting.
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 travel efficiency by maintaining consistent friction, preventing overturning, and effectively picking up large foreign substances, ensuring accurate and efficient cleaning paths.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention increases a frictional force between a rag and a floor surface so that a cleaner may wipe and travel effectively
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cleaner according to the present disclosure includes: a mop module which includes a pair of spin mops that contacts a floor while rotating clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from a top and is left-right symmetric with a virtual central vertical plane; a collection module which includes at least one collection unit that collects foreign substances from the floor at a position spaced apart from the mop module in a forward and backward direction, forms a collection space which stores the collected foreign substances, and is left-right symmetric with respect to the central vertical plane; and a body that connects the mop module and the collection module.