Two in one mobile cleaning robot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing two-in-one cleaning robots struggle to effectively clean both hard surfaces and fibrous surfaces like carpeting without manual user intervention, as mopping systems can get stuck on carpeting and cause soiling, and require manual adjustments between functions.

Innovation Solution

A mobile cleaning robot with a pad drive system that moves a mopping pad between a cleaning position and a stored position, allowing it to vacuum carpeted surfaces and mop hard floors during the same mission without user intervention, by automatically adjusting the pad's position based on surface type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the mopping pad is kept in the cleaning position for both hard surfaces and carpeted surfaces, then the robot can mop hard floors effectively, but the mopping pad will get stuck on carpeting and cause soiling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemopping effectiveness on hard surfacesVSAvoidcarpet soiling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mopping pad assembly is designed to dynamically change its position between cleaning position and stored position based on the detected surface type. The pad drive system automatically moves the pad to the stored position when carpet is detected, preventing soiling, and to the cleaning position when hard surfaces are detected, enabling effective mopping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the mopping pad assembly is fixed in the cleaning position, then mopping of hard surfaces can be performed, but the robot cannot travel onto fibrous surfaces like high pile carpeting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemopping capabilityVSAvoidability to clean different surface types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mopping pad assembly transitions from a fixed position to a dynamic positionable assembly. The pad drive system enables automatic repositioning between cleaning and stored positions, allowing the robot to adapt to different surface types including hard floors and various carpet piles without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the mopping system requires manual adjustment between functions, then the system structure can be simpler, but user intervention is needed during cleaning missions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidautomatic function switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The mopping pad assembly is equipped with a pad drive system that automatically detects surface type and adjusts the pad position accordingly without user intervention. The system self-manages the transition between vacuum-only mode and mopping mode, eliminating the need for manual adjustments during cleaning missions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the clearance between the mopping pad and floor surface is reduced for better carpet clearance, then the robot can travel onto carpeted surfaces, but the mopping pad may get stuck and cause soiling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to traverse carpet surfacesVSAvoidcarpet soiling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than permanently reducing clearance, the system dynamically positions the mopping pad assembly. The pad can be moved to a stored position that provides adequate clearance for carpet traversal, and only when needed on hard surfaces is it moved to the cleaning position where it contacts the floor for effective mopping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12433467B2Two in one mobile cleaning robot

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 IROBOT CORP

AI summary

A mobile cleaning robot can include a body, a pad assembly, and a pad drive system. The pad assembly can be connected to the body and can be movable relative thereto. The pad drive system can be connected to the body and can be operable to move the pad assembly relative to the body between a stored position and a cleaning position.