Brush Element Filtration in Floor Cleaning Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floor cleaning machines with suction devices face issues with dust accumulation in the dirt container due to the inability to use fine-pored filters, leading to clogging of the pipe system from fine dirt particles like sand and pine needles, which are not filtered out by existing screens.
Innovation Solution
A brush element is integrated into the collecting pan to filter water before it flows into the drain, distributing the water flow and trapping dirt particles, with bristles inclined to facilitate easy cleaning and prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screens with narrow mesh size are used to filter fine dirt particles, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but the screens clog up too quickly during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The brush element functions as a porous filtering structure where water passes through the spaces between bristles. This porous design allows fine dirt particles to be trapped effectively while maintaining sufficient open area to prevent clogging during operation, resolving the contradiction between filtration effectiveness and maintenance frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the filtering mechanism from a static screen with fixed mesh size to a dynamic brush element where the effective filtration parameter (spacing between bristles) can adapt during operation. The bristles flex and spread under water flow, maintaining filtration capability while preventing clog
2Reliability
If a brush element is added to filter water, then fine dirt particles are prevented from entering the pipe system, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brush element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a filter to trap fine dirt particles, a flow distributor to spread water evenly across the drain opening, and a self-cleaning component that prevents clogging. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single component
Solution Approach 2:
The brush element is designed to be self-cleaning through the water flow itself. The continuous passage of water through and around the bristles prevents debris accumulation that would cause clogging, eliminating the need for additional cleaning mechanisms or frequent manual maintenance
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 brush element effectively filters out fine dirt particles, preventing pipe system clogging and allowing for efficient operation without requiring frequent maintenance, while the automatic pivoting flap ensures easy cleaning of the collecting pan during emptying.
Implementation Method 1
water that has entered the collecting pan through the passage devices must pass through the brush element before it can flow out of the collecting pan through the drain
Implementation Method 2
The brush element or brush presents a flow resistance to the water flowing to the drain through the sump, reducing the flow rate of the water
Implementation Method 3
partition walls are arranged in the drip tray, which divide the drip tray into a plurality of sections. The partitions have elongated holes through which the water can pass to get to the drain
Implementation Method 4
the fan attached to the dirt container and necessary to generate the air flow from the suction device into the dirt container
Data Source
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AI summary
The illustration and description show a floor cleaning machine with a chassis for moving the machine across a surface to be cleaned and with a dirt container for collecting debris. The dirt container has a collection tray in its base to collect any water it contains. A movable flap is fitted into the collection tray, which covers the tray when the flap is closed. The collection tray also has a drain through which the water can escape. Furthermore, passages are provided through which water from the dirt container can enter the collection tray. A brush element is positioned in the collection tray such that water entering the tray through the passages must pass through the brush element before it can drain out of the tray.