Alternating Spray Assembly for Uniform Extraction Cleaning Dwell Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional extraction cleaning machines have an uneven dwell time for cleaning fluid on surfaces due to the direction of movement, resulting in inadequate cleaning performance, especially during the rearward stroke where the cleaning fluid is quickly removed by the suction nozzle before it can effectively loosen and suspend dirt.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dual alternating spray dispenser assemblies that apply cleaning fluid in opposite directions, allowing the fluid to remain on the surface longer by ensuring simultaneous extraction and reapplication of fluid during alternating strokes, ensuring consistent dwell time and enhanced cleaning efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the spray dispenser assembly is positioned adjacent to and to the rear of the suction nozzle, then the machine structure is simplified, but the cleaning fluid dwell time becomes uneven between forward and rearward strokes
Solution Approach 1:
The single spray dispenser assembly is divided into two separate assemblies: one positioned adjacent to the suction nozzle for forward stroke operation, and another positioned at the rear for rearward stroke operation. This segmentation allows each assembly to independently optimize fluid application timing for its respective stroke direction, ensuring consistent dwell time throughout the cleaning cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two spray dispenser assemblies based on the direction of movement. A sensor detects whether the machine is moving forward or rearward and activates the appropriate spray dispenser accordingly. This dynamic adaptation ensures that cleaning fluid is always applied at the optimal moment relative to the suction nozzle position, maintaining uniform dwell time regardless of stroke direction.
2Ease of operation
If the suction nozzle trails the spray dispenser during rearward movement, then the machine can be moved rearwardly for cleaning, but the cleaning fluid is removed almost immediately after application
Solution Approach 1:
The rearward-stroke spray dispenser assembly is positioned and timed to apply cleaning fluid just before the suction nozzle passes over the same location during rearward movement. This preliminary action ensures that the fluid is already in place and has begun its dwell time before the suction nozzle arrives, preventing immediate removal and ensuring effective cleaning action.
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the movement detection sensor and the spray dispenser assemblies. It processes the direction of movement information and coordinates the activation of the appropriate spray dispenser to ensure optimal timing. This intermediary control mechanism resolves the conflict between maintaining rearward movement capability and ensuring sufficient fluid dwell time.
3Device complexity
If cleaning fluid is applied only during forward stroke, then the spray dispenser positioning is simplified, but the surface receives inadequate cleaning during rearward stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed with universal coverage capability by implementing two spray dispenser assemblies that together provide effective cleaning during both forward and rearward strokes. Each assembly is specialized for its respective stroke direction, but together they create a universal cleaning solution that maintains reliability regardless of the direction of movement, ensuring consistent cleaning effectiveness throughout the entire cleaning cycle.
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
This approach ensures that the cleaning fluid remains on the surface for a longer period, effectively loosening and suspending dirt, leading to improved cleaning performance by allowing the fluid to remain on the surface during both forward and rearward movements, thereby enhancing dirt and debris removal.
Implementation Method 1
a suction nozzle adapted for vacuum removal of cleaning fluid from the surface
Implementation Method 2
a first spray dispenser assembly positioned adjacent to and to the rear of the suction nozzle and a second spray dispenser assembly positioned at the rear of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A method of surface cleaning wherein recovering a soiled cleaning fluid from a surface to be cleaned is subsequent to the application of fluid to the surface as a module moves along different and opposite directions.