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The features revealed here are not described in any Scooba printed-matter reviewed to date. It is by examination (thanks to Roger) that three drain-holes have been located, which must serve as emergency drains for any liquid which has been accidentally introduced into the robot's machinery compartment. It is by deduction that the two other, prominent, apertures, and their hidden grille-work, are claimed to provide air-ways through which evaporating residual moisture can escape the compartment. It will be seen, however, that the suggested ventilation openings are possible evidence of planned engineering that has not yet reached fruition.
Let us begin by discussing holes in the lower-chassis which have clearly been placed there to serve as drains.
As Scooba's underside is viewed, several circular openings, and two rectangular openings can be seen to penetrate the structure. Those openings are marked "A" through "F" in Figure 1. It is only by inspecting the 'inside' of the chassis casting, that one may determine that only holes "A", "B", and "C" can be classified as 'intended' drains. Note: The opening through which the rubber, suction tube (participates in the "Prep-mode") passes, can also allow liquid to escape through its chassis-portal -- depending on how tightly the rubber conforms to the opening.
Figure 1. Apertures Which Penetrate the Chassis Wall
Holes "A" and "B" are directly below the robot's Blower Assembly. Roger has supplied an interior shot that shows those holes without the Blower in the way:
Figure 2. Drain-Holes "A" and "B" are Under the Blower Assembly
Notice how depressed 'catch-basins' have been formed around those two holes. Roger points out that "...the motor drain, "B", has been given a low 'flood barrier' so that it, ("B"), only comes into play if there is a big emergency! There is also another drain hole (un-scalloped) under the right bumper-cam...".
And, by the latter hint, he introduces Figure 3, which has an arrow pointing to the drain-hole "C", located under the RHS-Bumper-Switch (sensor).
Figure 3. Drain-Hole "C" is Under a Bumper-Switch
Drain-holes "A", "B", and "C" are all nominally 3-mm diameter.
As an owner first examines Scooba, possibly going through a process of comparing what is seen on the hardware to what is said and illustrated in the Owner's-Manual, s/he should notice the two prismatic cavities "D" and "E" just to each side of Scooba's Front Wheel, and then find no mention of them or their function in the O-M. Clearly, each one provides a large, almost square-shaped opening into the robot's guts -- but, the direct path is blocked by some bits of black plastic. The two images of Figure 4 show varying views of those Scooba features.
Figure 4. Close-Up Views of Apertures "D" (left) and "E" (right)
Upon taking a closer look at either one, the astute observer can tally a number of mystifying details, formed both on the light-colored chassis, and on the black parts:
Well! That's a bunch of stuff, and only the final two items pertain to the subject matter -- draining and venting. All the other items must serve other purposes. One case (the waffle-iron) might be an effort to mold a strong part that requires less material content; but the other detailed features are total mysteries. Then, as we can see, in Figure 5, after going inside the robot, and actually dismounting the black-parts, they have complex features, on opposite sides, which cannot be explained. Notice that reference is now being made to the "black-parts" as "Caps", since they cap the chassis-apertures, to prevent direct access.
Figure 5. Vent Cap (bottom at left, top at right)
The left-side image of Figure 5 is of the lower face of the black Cap, i.e., the side seen from outside Scooba. At right, the upper / inner side is shown, with the normally forward edge of the Cap facing us. Notice the two cross-ribs, and a pair of rectangular grooves sloping off rearward, in the orthogonal direction! There is no obvious function(s) for those detail features.
The purpose in discussing all of those design elements is to emphasize that most of the various complex features, on and around the Caps, have nothing whatever to do with the ventilation function, thus, while these Caps may presently serve as vents, it is altogether feasible that these "D" & "E" apertures were planned for some other application which was not ready to include with this first Scooba version.
Hole "F", marked in Figure 1, serves no function relative to the current topic; however, since it is visible when viewing the robot's underside, its purpose should be discussed.
Numerous screw-bosses exist throughout the upper-surface of the lower-chassis casting, and all, except one, have been cast without extending their (screw) pilot-holes through to the bottom surface. Hole "F" is the lone example. This hole is used by the Blower Assembly to secure one of its feet to the chassis.
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