Telescopic Support Arm Cleaning Device for Above-Floor Surface Reach

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices, such as floor cleaning robots, are ineffective in cleaning objects or surfaces above the floor level, leading to unsightly accumulation of dust and potential health risks from allergens like dust mite droppings or pollen.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a support arm comprising a telescopic vertical and horizontal section, equipped with a drive mechanism, allows the device to extend above the floor, incorporating a suction unit or duster with electrostatic charging, and a sensor for 3D scanning to navigate and avoid obstacles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a floor cleaning robot is used, then the floor surface can be cleaned effectively, but objects or surfaces above the floor level cannot be cleaned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the cleaning device from two-dimensional floor cleaning to three-dimensional cleaning by adding a vertical support arm that elevates the cleaning head above floor level, enabling cleaning of surfaces at different heights including furniture tops and wall surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device is divided into functionally independent segments: a base section for floor movement, a telescopic support arm for height adjustment, and a cleaning head for surface cleaning. This modular structure allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-height cleaning device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot reach surfaces at different heights or extend horizontally to distant surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereach capabilityVSAvoidsupport arm structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm incorporates telescopic mechanisms with drive mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of both vertical height and horizontal extension distance. This enables the cleaning head to reach various surfaces at different positions and heights adaptively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic support arm uses nested tubular structures where smaller diameter tubes are inserted into larger ones, allowing compact storage when retracted and extended configuration when cleaning distant or elevated surfaces, maximizing reach while minimizing space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If a telescopic support arm with multi-stage elements is used, then the minimum and maximum height can be optimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment rangeVSAvoidtelescopic mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual telescopic mechanisms with drive mechanisms that automatically control the extension and retraction of telescopic elements. This substitution simplifies operation while maintaining the multi-stage telescopic structure for optimized height range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive mechanisms are integrated into the telescopic structure itself, with each telescopic element having its own drive mechanism for independent control. This self-contained design allows automated height adjustment without requiring external complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances cleaning efficacy by reaching and cleaning surfaces above the floor, reducing allergens, and improving hygiene while maintaining stability and avoiding collisions.

Implementation Method 1

The suction unit can be located in the base section and connected via a suction channel to a suction nozzle at the far end of the support arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

incorporating a suction unit or duster with electrostatic charging

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic charging: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP4272620B1Cleaning device for a household appliance
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4272620B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4272620B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP4272620B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A household cleaning device comprises a base section with a drive mechanism designed to move the cleaning device along a floor; a cleaning device for cleaning a surface in the household; and a support arm to hold the cleaning device on the base section at a predetermined height above the floor.