Accessory tool assembly for use with extraction cleaners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessory tools for extraction cleaners lack efficiency in cleaning various surfaces, particularly tile and grout, due to limited design features that hinder effective fluid distribution and debris extraction.
Innovation Solution
The accessory tool assembly includes a tool head with a working surface featuring agitators and a suction air inlet with longitudinal and transverse portions, allowing for improved fluid distribution and debris extraction, and is designed to couple with both fluid delivery and recovery systems of extraction cleaners, including steam delivery systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing accessory tools are used for extraction cleaners, then the basic cleaning function is provided, but cleaning efficiency on diverse surfaces such as tile and grout is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tool head is divided into functional zones with multiple agitators of different types (e.g., stiff bristles for grout, softer bristles for tile) positioned in specific patterns to address different surface requirements simultaneously, enabling effective cleaning of diverse surfaces like tile and grout with a single tool
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory tool assembly is designed with a combination of fluid distributors, multiple agitator types, and a suction system that can effectively clean various surface types (tile, grout, carpet, upholstery) making it a universal cleaning solution for extraction cleaners
2Ease of manufacture
If simple fluid distribution is used, then device complexity is reduced, but effective fluid distribution and debris extraction is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates a fluid distribution system with nozzles that deliver cleaning solution to the working surface, combined with a suction system that removes fluid and debris, creating an effective hydraulic-pneumatic cleaning mechanism that enhances cleaning effectiveness without excessive complexity
3Device complexity
If limited design features are used, then device complexity is minimized, but effective debris extraction is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The suction air inlet is configured with both longitudinal and transverse portions, creating a three-dimensional suction pattern that enhances debris extraction capability. This multi-directional inlet design improves airflow dynamics and debris removal efficiency without adding excessive structural complexity
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
Enhances cleaning efficiency on diverse surfaces by ensuring effective fluid distribution and debris extraction, making it suitable for use with both steam and non-steam equipped extraction cleaners.
Implementation Method 1
A suction source located aboard the extraction cleaner generates suction forces to extract spent fluid and entrained debris from the surface
Implementation Method 2
the cleaning fluid is dispensed from the above-described fluid supply tank, through a fluid supply conduit and onto the surface to be cleaned, such as through one or more nozzle orifices of the accessory tool
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory tool assembly adapted to couple with a hose of an extraction cleaner including a suction source includes a tool head and at least one fluid distributor for supplying and directing a cleaning fluid therethrough. The tool head includes a front end and a rear end opposed to the front end, wherein a longitudinal direction extends through the front and rear ends and a transverse direction extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The tool head includes a working surface on an underside of the front end that defines a working surface edge. A plurality of agitators extend from the working surface adjacent to at least a portion of the working surface edge and define a first interior area therewithin. An extraction nozzle is positioned in the first interior area and defines at least a portion of a suction air inlet.