Pinch Detector First Aid
The pinch detectors are designed as a fail safe should there be something caught in the chute area of the Litter-Robot, such as a very adventurous cat that leaps in when rotating, and manages to get into a compromising position. It is a simple pressure lever set up, and is located inside the top of the base, to the left side of the Chute where the dirty litter falls into the waste tray.
There is a more prominent plastic section clearly visible if the globe is removed, and this is the upper housing cover for the pinch detector. Take care to only push on this cover, do not pull, as it is fragile by design and can be broken.
As the detectors are metal, and located on the underside of the base top, they are subject to the same issues with possible dirt and debris that occur for the Drawer Full Sensors. When the globe cycles and drops dirty litter into the waste tray, it falls past the left side first. If the tray is left over full, debris can work up into the open underside of the pinch detector well, causing dirt and corrosion which may interrupt the connection between the two detector plates. If the connection is interrupted, the Robot will stop or not cycle, and the yellow cycle light will flash fast (3 per second). If there is no physical cause, it may be the connectors need to be cleaned or corrosion sanded off
This can be done generally in place using a cotton ear bud and cleaner (sprayed on the ear bud), and carefully cleaning between the contact points on the 2 metal strips.
A more serious clean if needed requires removal taking care not to bend out of shape (needle nose pliers are required), and clean, possibly including a light sand of any corrosion. The terminals can then generally be refitted. Clean the area before refitting into the well. Refitting instructions are below.
This is the pinch detector well. The pinch detector metal strips have been removed for cleaning/replacement, and need refitting. The well could be cleaned a little better to avoid future corrosion. Note debris also comes into this area from over full tray/litter dust. It works by the push bar (chute side) pushing in against the pinch detector metal bars, separating them and breaking the contact, resulting in stop of cycle and fast flashing yellow light. They can be cleaned in place with a cotton bud and care, or removed for cleaning/sanding to remove corrosion. Refitting requires graduated or similar pliers. Ensure the parts are in the correct placement (check pics) as separation only works when fitted in the correct overlay.
fit into pre-formed slot noting there is a small hump as well. Tilting the metal clip away from the opening side will help to get the clip fitted as it needs to push down past the hump for securing.
push down first clip. Fit second clip into pre-formed slot, similar to first. Check the order matches the pictures as the pushdown plastic nib needs to action separation of the two bars.
demonstrating opening the connection.
Well done if you have now deep cleaned the pinch detectors! Reassemble the Litter-Robot, plug in and turn on, and observe the initial cycle. If you have any issues, and the Litter-Robot does not complete with solid blue light at finish, contact customer service firstname.lastname@example.org
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Loving the Urban Lifestyle
Mary & Shadow