Wet Robot Docking Station With Raised Contacts and Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic cleaning systems face challenges in efficiently docking and charging mobile cleaning robots with wet cleaning pads, as the electrical charging contacts may come into contact with the wet pad, leading to interrupted charging and fluid spillage, and require adequate force for charging to occur.
Innovation Solution
A base station with a docking structure featuring a horizontal surface, electrical charging contacts positioned above the surface, and a platform with raised surface features that guide the robot into a charging position, allowing it to dock backwards and manage fluid accumulation, ensuring charging contacts do not contact the wet pad and providing sufficient force for charging through extension springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile cleaning robot docks with the base station for charging, then the robot can be recharged, but the wet cleaning pad may contact the electrical charging contacts causing interrupted charging and fluid spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the electrical charging contacts above the horizontal surface of the docking structure, creating a vertical separation between the contacts and the wet cleaning pad area. This dimensional change in contact placement prevents fluid spillage from reaching the contacts while maintaining charging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates distinct functional zones on the docking structure: a raised area for electrical contacts that remains dry, and a lower horizontal surface that collects and manages fluid. This local differentiation of surface heights and functions prevents harmful fluid contact while enabling reliable charging.
2Reliability
If the electrical charging contacts are positioned above the horizontal surface to prevent fluid contact, then charging reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The raised rear surface of the platform serves multiple functions: it elevates the electrical charging contacts above fluid level, provides structural support for the docking assembly, and creates the necessary geometry for fluid management. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite the elevated contact positioning.
3Reliability
If the robot is guided into a specific charging position using raised surface features, then charging contact reliability improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The raised surface features on the platform automatically guide the robot into the correct charging position through passive mechanical guidance. The robot's wheels interact with these features to self-align with the electrical contacts without requiring active control or complex positioning mechanisms, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable contact.
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
Enables safe and efficient charging of mobile cleaning robots by preventing contact between the wet cleaning pad and electrical contacts, managing fluid accumulation, and applying the necessary force for charging, thus ensuring uninterrupted charging and easy fluid disposal.
Implementation Method 1
each of the at least two electrical charging contacts is connected to an extension spring
Implementation Method 2
a first fluid management area being defined by a first sloping surface and a second sloping surface of the platform, the first sloping surface tapering from a forward portion of the platform, and the second sloping surface tapering from the raised rear surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a base station for receiving a mobile cleaning robot including a docking structure. The docking structure includes a horizontal surface and at least two electrical charging contacts, each of the electrical charging contacts having a contact surface positioned above the horizontal surface. The base station also includes a platform that is connectable to the docking structure. The platform includes a raised rear surface having a front portion and a rear portion, two wheel wells located in the front portion of the raised rear surface of the platform, and a plurality of raised surface features forward of the raised rear surface configured to support an underside portion of the mobile cleaning robot.