Window cleaning robot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current robotic window cleaners are not yet perfected, lacking efficiency in cleaning hard-to-reach window surfaces and requiring frequent manual intervention for cleaning fluid application and pad replacement.

Innovation Solution

A robotic window cleaner with a movement system, agitator, cleaning pad, and polishing pad arrangement that allows for efficient debris removal and fluid application, along with a suction-based attachment system that reduces power consumption by using active and paused modes for attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the robot uses a wide cleaning pad to cover more area, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the pad wears out faster due to increased contact with debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidpad life

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is divided into two functional segments: an agitator that performs mechanical scrubbing to remove debris, and a cleaning pad that applies cleaning fluid to dissolve and lift remaining dirt. This segmentation allows the agitator to handle heavy debris removal while the cleaner pad focuses on finer cleaning, reducing overall pad wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The agitator performs preliminary mechanical removal of debris and dirt from the window surface before the cleaning pad arrives. By pre-cleaning the surface with the agitator, the cleaning pad encounters less abrasive material, which reduces wear on the pad while maintaining effective cleaning coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the robot continuously maintains suction for attachment, then reliability of attachment is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The suction-based attachment system operates periodically rather than continuously. The vacuum pump activates to create suction that attaches the robot to the window surface, then remains inactive while the robot moves. This periodic operation maintains reliable attachment when needed while significantly reducing overall power consumption during the robot's operation cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The robot's movement system is designed to maintain attachment through the natural motion and pressure distribution during movement, eliminating the need for continuous active suction. The attachment mechanism serves itself by utilizing the robot's operational dynamics rather than requiring constant energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the robot cleans window surfaces that are hard to access, then versatility is improved, but cleaning quality may deteriorate due to limited control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to hard-to-reach surfacesVSAvoidcleaning quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The robot replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated system that uses an agitator for mechanical scrubbing and a cleaning pad with cleaning fluid for chemical dissolution of dirt. This substitution allows consistent cleaning quality on hard-to-reach surfaces that would be difficult to access manually, maintaining high cleaning standards through automated precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 robotic window cleaner effectively cleans window surfaces with reduced manual intervention, extending the life of cleaning pads and improving finish quality while conserving battery life through efficient attachment mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

an attachment system which maintains the robot in contact with the window by producing an attachment force perpendicular to the window surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

at least one cleaning pad for removing debris from the window surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

at least one agitator configured for removing debris from a window surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10383492B2Window cleaning robot

Publication Date: 2019.08.20 ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG

AI summary

A window-cleaning robot that includes: a powered agitator that, when active, mechanically removes debris from a window surface; a cleaning pad, which is wetted with a cleaning fluid and contacts the window surface so as to remove debris therefrom with the aid of the cleaning fluid; and a movement system, for example including a number of wheels, which moves the robot over the window surface and has a defined forwards direction; the agitator is located forwards of the cleaning pad and the agitator and the cleaning pad are arranged such that, as the robot moves over the window surface in the forwards direction, the agitator addresses a width in a width direction, which is perpendicular to the forwards direction and parallel to the window surface, that is greater than the width addressed by the cleaning pad.