Bristle-Based Fluid Applicator for Reduced Cleaning Solution Usage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cleaning appliances often require excessive amounts of cleaning solution, leading to prolonged drying times and surface unusability, which is inefficient for surfaces that need less cleaning solution.

Innovation Solution

An attachment tool with a housing, fluid delivery and recovery circuits, and bristle clusters that distribute and recover cleaning solution efficiently, minimizing usage and drying time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large amounts of cleaning solution are deposited directly on the surface, then deep cleaning is achieved, but the surface becomes damp and unusable for significant periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeep cleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddrying time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning solution is segmented into multiple fine streams through multiple apertures in the fluid delivery nozzle, rather than applying a single large amount. This segmentation allows for controlled distribution of smaller quantities across the surface, achieving effective cleaning while reducing excessive dampness and drying time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If large amounts of cleaning solution are used, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but the surface requires greater wait time to dry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning solution amountVSAvoiddrying time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameters of cleaning solution application by controlling the flow rate, aperture size, and distribution pattern. This allows optimization of the cleaning solution quantity to achieve thorough cleaning while minimizing the amount that causes prolonged drying times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If cleaning solution is distributed without control, then coverage is achieved, but excessive solution is used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface coverageVSAvoidcleaning solution waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback through the fluid delivery control mechanism that monitors and adjusts the cleaning solution flow rate based on the cleaning head's movement and the surface being cleaned. This feedback control ensures adequate coverage while preventing excessive solution application and waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid delivery system is designed to be dynamic, adjusting the cleaning solution distribution in real-time based on operational conditions. The controllable flow rate and aperture configuration allow the system to adapt to different cleaning scenarios, achieving proper coverage without excessive solution usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 tool allows for controlled distribution of cleaning solution through bristle clusters, facilitating quick drying and reduced solution usage on various surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

A fluid recovery circuit includes the suction nozzle associated with the housing for removing soiled cleaning solution from the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

The bristle block supports a bristle cluster and defines a fluid delivery aperture that receives the cleaning solution from the fluid delivery circuit and distributes the cleaning solution through the bristle cluster onto the surface to be cleaned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP4666931A1Refresh tool with bristle fluid applicator
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 BISSELL INC
  • EP4666931A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4666931A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4666931A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An attachment tool (10, 210) for a cleaning appliance (12) includes a housing (14, 214) having a surface defining a suction nozzle (18, 218). A fluid delivery circuit (20, 220) is associated with the housing (14, 214) for distributing a cleaning solution (22) to a surface (24) to be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuit (26, 226) includes the suction nozzle (18, 218) associated with the housing (14, 214) for removing soiled cleaning solution (22) from the surface. A bristle block (28, 228) is coupled to the housing (14, 214) and in fluid communication with the fluid delivery circuit (20, 220). The bristle block (28, 228) supports a bristle cluster (30, 230) and defines a fluid delivery aperture (32, 232) that receives the cleaning solution (22) from the fluid delivery circuit (20, 220) and distributes the cleaning solution (22) through the bristle cluster (30, 230) onto the surface (24) to be cleaned.