Endless Absorbent Belt Cleaning Head With Integrated Squeeze Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices, such as motorized endless belt cleaners, face issues with inefficient water and detergent usage, difficulty in replacing the belt, and the need for frequent water changes, as well as leaving surfaces wet for an extended period due to the design of prior art systems.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a housing, a roller system, and an endless absorbent belt that is pinched between housing and cleaning head rollers to squeeze liquid and contaminants into a reservoir, allowing for easy belt replacement and tensioning without additional tensioning devices, and incorporating a dual reservoir system for efficient liquid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the belt is supported by a spring-loaded tensioning roller in a reservoir, then the belt can be tensioned, but the belt replacement becomes difficult and requires releasing the tensioning mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tensioning function from a separate spring-loaded roller mechanism and integrates it directly into the housing-mounted roller structure. The roller is mounted on an axle that is spring-loaded within the housing, combining the tensioning function with the structural support function, thereby simplifying the overall system and enabling easier belt replacement without separate tensioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The housing-mounted roller combines multiple functions: it supports the belt, provides tensioning through integrated spring loading, and serves as a structural mounting point. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies belt replacement procedures
2Reliability
If multiple rollers are used to support the endless belt, then the belt can be properly tensioned and supported, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing-mounted roller is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the belt, provides tensioning through integrated spring loading, and serves as a structural mounting point. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of rollers needed from several to just one housing-mounted roller working with the cleaning head rollers, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded tensioning feature is localized to the housing-mounted roller where it is most needed for belt tensioning, rather than distributing tensioning mechanisms across multiple rollers. This localized approach maintains belt support reliability while reducing the overall number of components and manufacturing complexity
3Device complexity
If the lower run of the belt supports the machine, then the machine structure is simplified, but the machine must be inverted to examine belt condition
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the belt support function between the housing-mounted roller and the cleaning head rollers, allowing the belt to be accessed and inspected from either side depending on the operational position. The cleaning head can be moved to a released position where the belt is accessible for inspection without inverting the entire machine, while the lower run still provides structural support when in operating position
4Productivity
If the belt is pinched between rollers to squeeze liquid, then liquid and contaminants are removed efficiently, but the belt requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded housing-mounted roller automatically adjusts its position to maintain proper belt tension and pinching force. The spring mechanism self-regulates the pressure applied to the belt between the housing-mounted roller and cleaning head rollers, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning and maintaining consistent liquid removal efficiency
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 solution enables efficient removal of liquids and contaminants, reduces water and detergent waste, and allows for quick belt replacement and surface drying, improving the overall cleaning efficiency and versatility of the device.
Implementation Method 1
an endless absorbent belt supported for rotation about the head-mounted rollers
Implementation Method 2
endless absorbent belt
Implementation Method 3
the belt is pinched between the housing-mounted roller and one of the head-mounted rollers to squeeze liquid and contaminants from the belt into the first reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A motor-driven endless absorbent belt on an apparatus may be used for scrubbing or polishing surfaces, or removing liquid from surfaces. The belt is located about a cleaning head demountable from a housing for replacement of the belt, a roller mounted to the head and cooperating with a roller mounted to the housing to squeeze liquid and contaminants from the belt into a first reservoir in the housing. A driven roller mounted on the removable cleaning head preferably encloses a rotary motor, the belt being pinched between the driven roller and the housing-mounted roller.