Vacuum-cleaning robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-propelled vacuum robots have inadequate suction characteristics and navigation precision, particularly when dealing with different floor types and obstacles, due to uneven wheel slip and frictional resistance.
Innovation Solution
A modular suction cleaning tool with a rigid angled slide and flexible lip is integrated into the vacuum robot, allowing for adjustable suction performance and navigation by maintaining a consistent suction edge and minimizing friction, while being decoupled from the main housing weight to adapt to varying floor conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional integrated vacuum robot design is used, then the structure is simple, but the suction performance is insufficient and navigation precision is poor due to wheel slip on different floor types
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum robot is divided into separate functional modules: a main body housing containing the power source and control system, and a detachable cleaning tool module containing the suction opening and brush. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module's function while reducing overall system complexity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool module is designed with vertical movement capability relative to the main housing, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position according to floor conditions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the suction opening's proximity to the floor surface on different floor types, improving navigation precision and suction performance simultaneously.
2Productivity
If strong suction airflow is applied to improve cleaning action, then suction performance increases, but friction on the ground increases which impairs navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The suction airflow is extracted and directed primarily through the suction opening at the front of the cleaning tool, rather than distributing it across the entire bottom surface. This concentration of airflow improves cleaning action at the suction point while minimizing frictional resistance on the ground that would impair navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction opening is designed with specific local characteristics including an angled slide face and flexible lip that concentrate the suction effect at the leading edge. This localized quality enhancement improves cleaning action where needed while maintaining minimal ground friction for smooth navigation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the suction opening edge is made flexible to adapt to floor irregularities, then adaptability improves, but suction power decreases due to loss of rigid sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool module employs different material properties at different locations: the suction opening edge features a rigid structure with angled slide face for maintaining sealing and suction power, while the flexible lip at the rear provides adaptability to floor irregularities. This local differentiation of quality allows both rigid sealing and flexible adaptation to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool module can move vertically relative to the main housing, dynamically adjusting its position to maintain optimal contact with the floor surface. This dynamic adjustment preserves the rigid sealing at the suction opening while allowing the flexible lip to adapt to varying floor conditions.
4Reliability
If the cleaning tool is integrated into the main housing, then manufacturing is simpler, but the suction performance cannot be optimized independently from navigation and drive systems
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool is manufactured as a separate preassembled module with its own optimized suction opening, brush, and airflow path. This segmentation allows specialized manufacturing optimization for the suction function while keeping the main housing design focused on navigation and drive systems, ultimately simplifying overall manufacturing through modular production.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool module is designed as a universal component that can be attached to different main housing configurations. This multi-functionality allows the optimized suction module to be combined with various navigation and drive systems, enabling independent optimization of suction performance without compromising ease of manufacture through standardized interfaces.
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 enhances suction power and navigation accuracy across various floor types, including smooth and high-pile carpets, by optimizing the suction opening design and allowing the suction tool to adjust to floor irregularities without impairing the robot's navigation.
Implementation Method 1
a blower in the module housing having an intake connected via a duct to the brush compartment for aspirating air through the opening and past the brush into the module housing
Implementation Method 2
The frictional resistance that occurs between the underside of the vacuum robot and the floor surface to be cleaned is of a decisive magnitude for the occurrence and distribution of slip of the drive wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled vacuum cleaner has a main housing having a bottom wall formed with an aperture, floor-engaging wheels on the main housing, and a drive in the main housing for rotating the wheels and advancing the main housing in a normal horizontal travel direction. A module housing projecting through the aperture forms a brush compartment defining a downward directed suction opening having relative to the direction a leading edge and a trailing edge. The module housing is supported in the main housing for limited vertical movement of the module housing relative to the main housing. A brush in the module housing is engageable through the opening with a floor beneath the opening, and a blower in the module housing having an intake connected via a duct to the brush compartment for aspirating air through the opening and past the brush into the module housing.