Washable bin for a robot vacuum cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning bins for autonomous cleaning robots are not easily detachable, often require manual emptying, and may corrode due to exposure to water during cleaning, which complicates maintenance and reduces their usability.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning bin design that pivots externally from the robot, has a prefilter and filter oriented perpendicularly, lacks exposed metallic components, and allows one-handed attachment and detachment, enabling easy cleaning and alignment with the robot body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cleaning bin uses metallic components for structural strength, then the bin has sufficient mechanical strength, but the bin corrodes when exposed to water during cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes exposed metallic components from the cleaning bin entirely, extracting the problematic material that causes corrosion. The bin is constructed using non-metallic materials such as plastic or polymer components that do not corrode when exposed to water, while still maintaining sufficient structural strength for its intended use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning bin utilizes composite or non-metallic materials that combine the necessary structural properties with corrosion resistance. By using materials like reinforced plastics or polymers, the bin achieves both mechanical strength and immunity to water-induced corrosion without requiring metallic components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cleaning bin is tightly attached to the robot body, then the connection is stable and secure, but the bin becomes difficult to remove for emptying and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning bin is designed as a separable component with a distinct interface from the robot body. The bin can be detached as a single unit for easy emptying and cleaning, while maintaining a stable connection during operation. This segmentation allows independent removal of the bin without affecting the robot's other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism incorporates dynamic characteristics that allow the bin to be securely held during cleaning operations but easily released when needed. The connection transitions between a stable locked state during operation and an easily releasable state for maintenance, adapting to different operational requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the prefilter and filter are positioned parallel to each other, then the airflow path is straightforward, but the bin occupies excessive space and reduces airflow volume
Solution Approach 1:
The prefilter and filter are positioned perpendicular to each other, changing the spatial arrangement from a parallel (two-dimensional) layout to a perpendicular (three-dimensional) configuration. This dimensional change allows both filters to be accommodated within a compact volume while maintaining effective airflow paths through the bin.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is designed with nested or space-efficient positioning where the prefilter and filter occupy different spatial zones within the bin. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available volume, allowing both filtering components to coexist in a compact configuration that preserves airflow volume.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the cleaning bin requires two-handed operation for attachment and detachment, then the connection is secure and precise, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment and detachment mechanisms are designed to be self-aligning and self-latching, requiring minimal user intervention. The bin features self-aligning guides and automatic latching mechanisms that ensure precise connection without requiring complex manual manipulation, enabling easy one-handed operation while maintaining secure attachment.
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
Facilitates easy and corrosion-resistant cleaning bin removal and attachment, maximizing airflow volume, and allows for thorough cleaning without risking damage from water exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum assembly operable to direct an airflow from the inlet of the cleaning bin to the outlet of the cleaning bin
Implementation Method 2
an airflow chamber separated from the debris chamber by a prefilter, the prefilter forming at least a portion of a top surface of the debris chamber and at least a portion of a bottom surface of the airflow chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning bin mountable to an autonomous cleaning robot operable to receive debris from a floor surface includes an inlet positioned between lateral sides of the cleaning bin and an outlet configured to connect to a vacuum assembly, the vacuum assembly operable to direct an airflow from the inlet of the cleaning bin to the outlet of the cleaning bin. The cleaning bin also includes a debris chamber to receive debris from the airflow, an airflow chamber separated from the debris chamber by a prefilter, the prefilter forming at least a portion of a top surface of the debris chamber and at least a portion of a bottom surface of the airflow chamber, and a filter socket configured to receive a filter and provide the airflow to through the filter to the outlet of the cleaning bin, wherein the filter is positioned substantially perpendicular to the prefilter when the filter is positioned in the filter socket.