Sweeper Flap Positioning for Light Debris Collection and Roller Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sweeping machines struggle to effectively clean floors by preventing large debris from reaching the sweeping roller while also efficiently collecting lighter materials such as dust and litter.
Innovation Solution
The sweeper incorporates a flap that can pivot between multiple positions, including one that raises relative to the installation plane to allow passage for lighter debris to reach the sweeping roller, and a second actuator to facilitate this movement, enabling the flap to act as a barrier, guide, or ramp for efficient collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the flap is positioned to block the passage for sweeping material, then large debris is prevented from reaching the sweeping roller, but lighter materials such as dust and litter cannot be effectively collected
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is designed to be movable between a closed position (blocking passage) and an open position (allowing passage). The first actuator enables transition between these positions, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different cleaning needs - blocking large debris when closed, allowing light debris when open
2Productivity
If the flap is raised to allow passage for sweeping material, then lighter debris can reach the sweeping roller, but large debris may also reach and damage the roller
Solution Approach 1:
The flap's movable design allows selective opening to permit light debris passage while maintaining the ability to close and block large debris. The controlled movement between positions ensures the roller is protected when the flap is closed and accessible when open
3Device complexity
If a fixed barrier is used to prevent debris from reaching the sweeping roller, then the structure is simple, but the cleaning versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flap mechanism transforms a static barrier into a dynamic component that can switch between blocking and allowing passage. This adds versatility in handling different debris types while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of pivotable flaps and actuator mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The flap serves multiple functions: it acts as a barrier when closed, as a guide when partially open, and as an open passage when fully open. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address various cleaning scenarios without requiring multiple separate devices
Data Source
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AI summary
Sweeper comprising a chassis (12); a drive mechanism (14); at least one sweeping roller (26); at least one flap (92) pivotably arranged on a material collection device (54) and which is associated with the at least one opening (82), wherein the at least one flap (92) has at least a first position (142) in which the material collection device (54) at the at least one opening (82) is closed by the at least one flap (92), and a second position (146) which is a position used for sweeping operation, and wherein during sweeping operation material is conveyed by the at least one sweeping roller (26) through the at least one opening (82) into the at least one material container (44), and a first actuator (122) which causes a pivoting movement of the at least one flap (92) between the first position (142) and the second position (146),wherein the at least one flap (92) has at least one third position (150) in which the at least one flap (92) is raised relative to a mounting plane (18) and a passage (152) for sweeping material to the at least one sweeping roller (26) is formed between the at least one flap (92) and the mounting plane (18), and wherein the at least one flap (92) is assigned a second actuator device (156) for bringing the at least one flap (92) into the at least one third position (150).