Surface Processing Device Movable Assembly Corner Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface processing devices, such as autonomous vacuum cleaners and moppers, are inefficient in covering surface areas with obstacles, particularly corners of non-90 degree measures, as they assume a constant form and lack adaptive mechanisms to effectively process such areas.

Innovation Solution

A surface processing device equipped with a movable assembly that can change shape and configuration using reciprocating elements and telescopic contact assemblies, equipped with sensors for obstacle detection, allowing the device to extend its surface processing capabilities to adapt to different angles and shapes, thereby improving coverage efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the device uses a constant form without movable assemblies, then the device structure is simple, but the surface coverage efficiency is poor especially in non-90 degree corners

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface coverage efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a movable assembly that can dynamically change its configuration between retracted and extended states. The side arm can pivot between positions, and the rim cover can rotate, allowing the device to adapt its shape to different corner angles and surface geometries, thereby improving surface coverage efficiency without requiring multiple fixed configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a main body, a movable assembly with side arm, brush unit, and rim cover. This segmentation allows the movable assembly to independently adjust its position and orientation to adapt to different surface conditions while the main body remains stable, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the device equips movable assembly to adapt to different surface types, then surface coverage improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface coverageVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable assembly provides dynamic adaptability through controlled movement of the side arm and rim cover, enabling the device to efficiently process various surface types including non-90 degree corners. The movement is controlled through mechanical linkages and sensors that detect surface geometry and automatically adjust the assembly position, improving productivity while keeping the control system relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates sensors that automatically detect obstacle proximity and corner angles, enabling the movable assembly to self-adjust its configuration without complex external control. The system serves itself by using sensor feedback to trigger appropriate movement sequences, thereby improving surface coverage while minimizing the complexity of the control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If the device processes surface areas with obstacles using constant form, then device operation is simple, but processing time increases due to repositioning needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoiddevice operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movable assembly is positioned and configured in advance based on sensor detection of upcoming obstacles or corner geometries. By preparing the assembly position before encountering the obstacle, the device minimizes processing time and avoids repeated repositioning, while the automated sensor-based control keeps the operation simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors continuously monitor the environment and provide feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts the movable assembly position in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables the device to respond dynamically to obstacles without manual intervention, reducing processing time while maintaining ease of operation through automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3335610B1A surface processing device and a method for processing surface areas
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 ADVANCED DIGITAL BROADCAST
  • EP3335610B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3335610B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3335610B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A surface processing device for processing surface areas with obstacles, comprising a chassis, surface processing means and first and second sensory means, characterized in that it further comprises a movable assembly, adapted to affect exposure of the surface processing means to surface area, wherein the movable assembly is adapted to move, based on information from the first and the second sensory means, at least between a first position and a second position with respect to the chassis, wherein in the second position the surface processing means have different exposure to surface area than in the first position.