Station, cleaning system comprising same, and method for replacing cleaning pad of station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robot cleaners with wiping functionality face issues with contaminated cleaning pads that need to be replaced, and existing systems lack efficient methods for automated pad replacement.
Innovation Solution
A station for robot cleaners is equipped with a pad replacement unit, a pad storage unit, and a pad transfer unit that allows for the automated movement of used and new cleaning pads between the robot cleaner and storage containers, enabling seamless replacement and storage of pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated pad replacement system is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The station is divided into functionally independent modules: pad storage unit with multiple containers, pad transfer unit with transfer arm, and pad replacement unit with detachment mechanism. Each module performs a specific function, allowing for easier manufacturing, maintenance, and scalability while achieving automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad transfer unit acts as an intermediary component between the pad storage unit and pad replacement unit. It includes a transfer arm that picks up pads from storage containers and delivers them to the replacement unit, mediating the material flow and enabling automated operation without direct user intervention.
2Ease of operation
If multiple pad containers are integrated in compact space, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pad storage containers are arranged in a nested or stacked configuration within the pad storage unit. The containers are positioned to utilize vertical and horizontal space efficiently, with each container accessible through the unified station interface, achieving compact integration while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad storage unit is designed as a multi-functional module that can store multiple types of cleaning pads simultaneously. The universal container design allows different pad sizes and types to be stored in standardized containers, enabling the system to handle various pad configurations without requiring separate storage solutions for each type.
3Ease of operation
If automatic pad detachment and attachment mechanisms are added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pad replacement unit incorporates automatic detachment and attachment mechanisms that perform pad replacement operations autonomously. The detachment mechanism automatically releases used pads from the cleaner, and the attachment mechanism automatically secures new pads, enabling the system to service itself without user intervention and reducing operational complexity despite increased mechanical complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A station configured to receive a used pad separated from a robot cleaner and supply a new pad to be coupled to the robot cleaner includes a station body, a pad replacement unit loaded with the used pad separated from the robot cleaner, a pad storage unit including a received pad container configured to store the used pad and a pad supply container configured to store the new pad, and a pad transfer unit arranged in the station body to reciprocate between the pad replacement unit and the pad storage unit, wherein the pad storage unit is configured to change positions of the received pad container and the pad supply container such that the received pad container and the pad supply container are located on a movement path of the pad transfer unit at different times.