Cleaning system comprising supply robot and cleaning satellites and method for cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning systems for surfaces are limited in their ability to perform comprehensive cleaning, especially in areas difficult to access, due to limitations in suction power and the need for separate storage and energy sources for cleaning satellites.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system comprising an automatically movable supply robot and cleaning satellite with a technical control link for cooperative operation, where the supply robot provides continuous or discontinuous delivery of cleaning agents, energy, and water, eliminating the need for storage on the satellite, and allowing the satellite to operate autonomously with independent navigation and mapping of the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If cleaning satellites have their own storage capacity for auxiliary substances and energy, then they can operate autonomously for longer periods, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the storage function from the cleaning satellites and relocates it to the supply robot. The supply robot carries large-capacity tanks for auxiliary substances (cleaning agents, rinsing water) and energy, while cleaning satellites operate with minimal or no local storage, receiving continuous or periodic supplies through hose connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hose connection as an intermediary between the supply robot and cleaning satellites. This flexible connection enables continuous transfer of auxiliary substances and energy, allowing satellites to extend their operating duration without carrying large storage capacities themselves.
2Duration of action of moving object
If cleaning satellites carry their own energy storage devices with significant capacity, then they can operate independently for longer, but the weight and volume of the satellite increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage function is extracted from the cleaning satellites and centralized in the supply robot. The supply robot carries large-capacity energy storage devices and transfers energy to satellites through the hose connection during operation or during periodic docking at service stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply robot serves multiple functions: it acts as a mobile base station for recharging satellites, a supply vehicle for delivering auxiliary substances, and a coordinating control unit. This multi-functionality allows the system to reduce overall weight by eliminating redundant storage devices on individual satellites.
3Productivity
If the supply robot continuously supplies auxiliary substances to cleaning satellites, then comprehensive cleaning performance is achieved, but the hose connection length and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hose connection system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive. The hose length and connection configuration can adjust based on the supply robot's position and the satellite's location, enabling flexible operation in various environments while maintaining continuous supply for comprehensive cleaning coverage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If cleaning satellites move to hard-to-reach areas, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the ability to maintain connection with the supply robot becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hose connection acts as a flexible link between the supply robot and cleaning satellites. This flexible connection allows satellites to navigate into tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas while maintaining a reliable supply connection, as the hose can bend and extend to accommodate the satellite's movement patterns.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning system for surfaces (12, 14, 16) designed for automatic and autonomous operation, comprising at least one automatically moving supply robot (20) and at least one automatically moving cleaning satellite (30, 30', 40, 40'), wherein a control-technical link for cooperative operation exists between the at least one supply robot (20) and the at least one cleaning satellite (30, 30', 40, 40').According to the invention, the at least one supply robot (20) can hold at least one auxiliary substance for continuous or discontinuous dispensing from an auxiliary substance storage tank (27) to the at least one cleaning satellite (30, 30', 40, 40') and the at least one supply robot (20) can automatically take the at least one auxiliary substance and energy from a service station (3) and return to the location of the cleaning task on the surface (12, 14, 16) and at least to transfer the at least one auxiliary substance to the at least one cleaning satellite (30, 30', 40, 40').