Wet robot docking station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile cleaning robots face challenges in safely docking and charging, particularly when equipped with wet cleaning pads, as the electrical charging contacts risk coming into contact with the wet pad, leading to interrupted charging and fluid spillage.
Innovation Solution
A base station with a docking structure featuring a horizontal surface, electrical charging contacts positioned above it, and a platform with raised features to support the robot, allowing it to tilt into a charging position while keeping the contacts dry, and fluid management areas to collect and dispose of any drips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical charging contacts are positioned at the base station, then charging function is enabled, but the contacts risk coming into contact with the wet cleaning pad 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. This dimensional change in contact placement eliminates the harmful interaction while maintaining charging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform with its raised rear surface and wheel wells acts as an intermediary structure that supports the mobile cleaning robot in a specific docking position. This intermediary structure ensures the robot's cleaning pad remains below the electrical contacts, preventing fluid contact while enabling charging.
2Ease of operation
If the robot docks horizontally with the base station, then docking is simple, but the wet cleaning pad may contact the electrical charging contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The platform features localized raised surfaces and wheel wells at specific positions to guide and support the robot's wheels and body. This local structural modification creates a precise docking geometry that maintains horizontal docking simplicity while ensuring the cleaning pad stays below the electrical contacts.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the electrical charging contacts are positioned above the horizontal surface, then contact with wet pad is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The platform serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the robot, guides the robot into the correct docking position through raised surfaces and wheel wells, and positions the electrical contacts at the appropriate height. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing structural complexity while achieving contact prevention.
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
Ensures safe and uninterrupted charging of the mobile cleaning robot by preventing contact between the electrical charging contacts and the wet cleaning pad, while managing fluid accumulation to maintain cleanliness and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
In some implementations, each of the at least two electrical contacts is connected to an extension spring.
Data Source
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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.