Swing-Arm Cleaning Assembly for Adaptive Mopping Device Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning robots lack adaptability due to their inability to lift and maintain a mopping device in a lift position, hindering self-cleaning capabilities and overall efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning assembly featuring a movable cleaning device coupled to a swing arm and mounting base, allowing vertical movement and self-adaptive floating, facilitated by an elastic member storing potential energy for automatic return, enhancing the robot's adaptability and cleaning efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the mopping device is fixed to the cleaning robot, then the structure is simple and stable, but the cleaning robot cannot lift the mopping device to a lift position, reducing adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mopping device is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic one through the introduction of a swing arm mechanism. The swing arm can pivot between a cleaning position and a lift position, allowing the mopping device to adapt to different operational states. This dynamic configuration enables the cleaning robot to lift the mopping device when needed while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a single pivot connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the mopping device is made movable to improve adaptability, then the cleaning robot can lift and position the device, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mopping device is segmented into distinct functional components: the mopping module, the swing arm, and the mounting base. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall structure. The swing arm acts as a separate linkage element that provides the necessary movement without requiring a complex actuation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The swing arm mechanism is designed to utilize the robot's own movement and gravity to achieve positioning. When the robot moves forward, the swing arm naturally swings to the cleaning position due to inertia and gravity. When the robot needs to return for self-cleaning, the swing arm automatically lifts to the lift position, reducing the need for additional actuators and control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the cleaning device cannot be lifted, then the structure remains simple, but the robot cannot make rapid returns for self-cleaning, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-cleaning efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The swing arm provides rapid transition between cleaning and lift positions, enabling the robot to quickly return to the docking station for self-cleaning operations. The dynamic nature of the swing arm allows it to respond instantly to the robot's movement changes, eliminating the need for complex lifting mechanisms while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables the cleaning robot to adapt to different surfaces and environments, improving its ability to perform self-cleaning and reducing obstruction during non-cleaning operations, thus enhancing its overall adaptability and operational flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member acting on the swing arm and configured to store elastic potential energy when the cleaning device moves upward, and the cleaning device is returned downward under actions of a gravity of the cleaning device and a release of the elastic potential energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the cleaning device is returned downward under actions of a gravity of the cleaning device and a release of the elastic potential energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4042918B1Cleaning assembly and cleaning robot
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 YUNJING INTELLIGENCE (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
  • EP4042918B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4042918B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4042918B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A cleaning assembly includes a cleaning device, a mounting base, and a swing arm. The cleaning device is movable in a vertical direction, and a positioning part is provided on the cleaning device. The mounting base is located at one side of the cleaning device. The swing arm has one end pivotally connected to the mounting base and another end connected to the positioning part. The swing arm is configured to swing with a vertical movement of the positioning part.