Adjustable Window Cleaning Head for Streak-Free High-Reach Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices for smooth surfaces, such as windows and walls, are not effective at great heights without additional aids like ladders or scaffolding, and often leave streaks due to inadequate design for high-altitude use.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a adjustable head featuring a suction part and a cleaning part, comprising a spray nozzle with a sponge and a rubber scraper, allowing for separate wetting and drying processes to ensure streak-free cleaning, utilizing a lightweight, telescopic suction pipe for ergonomic handling at heights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional spray extraction device with a holder and sponge is used, then cleaning of window panes is possible, but cleaning at great heights is not possible and windows cannot be cleaned without streaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidcleaning quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a spray nozzle for wetting, a suction nozzle for removing dirty water, and a holder with cleaning elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling effective cleaning at heights while ensuring streak-free results through coordinated operation of spray and suction components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spray extraction device is designed to perform multiple functions: spraying cleaning solution, suctioning dirty water, and providing mechanical cleaning action through the holder attachment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate equipment for wetting and drying, enabling effective cleaning at great heights with a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Length of moving object

If a telescopic tube is used for the suction nozzle, then reach is extended, but cleaning windows at great heights is still not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereach distanceVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a telescopic tube that can be extended and adjusted to reach high windows, combined with a lightweight holder design that maintains maneuverability. The dynamic adjustment capability allows the operator to adapt the reach distance while preserving ease of operation and cleaning effectiveness at great heights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of substance

If minimal water is used for cleaning, then water consumption is reduced, but effective removal of dirt is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater consumptionVSAvoiddirt removal efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The spray nozzle and suction nozzle are positioned and timed to work in continuous sequence: spray application immediately followed by suction removal. This continuous action ensures that water is applied only where and when needed, and removed immediately, achieving effective dirt removal with minimal overall water consumption by eliminating waste and reuse of cleaning solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables efficient, streak-free cleaning of large smooth surfaces at great heights with minimal water usage, allowing for easy handling and effective removal of dirt without residual water, suitable for high-altitude applications like large halls.

Implementation Method 1

the dirty water film is now sucked off in a continuous downward movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

The surface to be cleaned is lightly wetted with the spray nozzle 10 by opening the water valve 26 and distributing a fine mist over the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpray: Spray

Data Source

PatentEP1949835B1Device for cleaning smooth surfaces
Publication Date: 2013.09.11 STRATO AG
  • EP1949835B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1949835B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A device (1) has a suction tube (20) and a head part (2) which comprises a suction part (3) and a cleaning part (4). The cleaning part (4) has a spray nozzle which serves to spray the surface being cleaned. The suction part (3) and the cleaning part (4) are fixed at a angle to one another on the head part, such that the cleaning part and the suction part are mutually adjustable.