Carpet Nozzle Oscillator Layout to Prevent Dirt Re-Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibrating airwave-based vacuum cleaners suffer from suboptimal cleaning performance and rely on additional suction systems to transport dirt from carpets, which can cause wear and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a carpet surface penetrator that positions the jet opening below the carpet surface, using an oscillator unit to alternately draw in and expel ambient fluid, effectively dislodging and removing dirt without relying solely on suction, and featuring a support structure for optimal nozzle placement and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a jet opening is positioned above the carpet surface, then dirt can be easily expelled, but dirt may be re-deposited onto the carpet and additional suction systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The jet opening is inverted from its conventional position above the carpet surface to below the carpet surface. This inversion allows the oscillating fluid jet to directly penetrate and agitate the carpet pile from beneath, dislodging dirt particles at their source and preventing re-deposition by immediately drawing them into the collection container through the same opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet opening is nested within the carpet surface by positioning it below the surface level. The oscillation space is further nested within the nozzle structure, creating a compact integrated system where the jet opening serves dual functions: agitating the carpet from below and collecting dirt without requiring separate suction components.
2Productivity
If conventional suction systems are used to transport dirt, then dirt removal is achieved, but carpet wear increases and cleaning efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional mechanical suction system is replaced with an aerodynamic oscillation system. Instead of using strong suction that requires high airflow velocities and creates friction-induced carpet wear, the invention uses oscillating fluid jets at controlled velocities (0.5-2.0 m/s) that gently agitate the carpet pile to dislodge dirt without mechanical stress or excessive friction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous suction, the system employs periodic oscillation of the fluid jet. The oscillator generates alternating flow directions that periodically penetrate the carpet, dislodge dirt particles through rhythmic agitation, and draw them into the collection container. This periodic action reduces overall airflow velocity requirements and minimizes carpet wear while maintaining effective dirt removal.
3Productivity
If high suction power is applied to remove dirt, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces continuous high-power suction with periodic oscillating jets. The oscillator creates alternating flow phases that penetrate the carpet and dislodge dirt during one phase, then draw the dirt into the collection container during the reverse phase. This periodic mechanism achieves effective dirt removal at lower average airflow velocities (0.5-2.0 m/s), significantly reducing energy consumption compared to conventional continuous suction systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic oscillation of the fluid jet rather than static continuous suction. The oscillator varies the flow direction and velocity periodically, creating dynamic penetration and agitation effects that are more efficient at dislodging and collecting dirt. This dynamic approach allows effective cleaning at lower energy input by utilizing the oscillatory motion to amplify the cleaning effect without proportionally increasing energy consumption.
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 dirt removal efficiency by penetrating the carpet surface with the jet opening, ensuring effective agitation and collection of dirt without re-depositing it, while minimizing carpet wear and improving cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillator unit, including an oscillator; an oscillation space that is at least partially defined by or accommodates at least part of the oscillator, and that is accessible through a jet opening via which ambient fluid is alternatingly drawn into the oscillation space and expelled from the oscillation space during operation of the oscillator
Implementation Method 2
Subjecting a carpet to the rapidly changing ambient fluid flow may agitate and dislodge dirt captured therein, and cause the dirt to be entrained in the fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device (1) for cleaning a carpet (70) having face yarns (74) that extend over a distance of several millimeters from a generally planar backing (72) to define a carpet surface (76), comprising: an oscillator unit (30), including: an oscillator (32); an oscillation space (34) defined by or accommodating at least part of the oscillator, and accessible through a jet opening (36) via which ambient fluid is alternatingly drawn into the oscillation space and expelled from the oscillation space during operation of the oscillator; a nozzle (10), including a carpet surface penetrator (14) that defines said jet opening; a support structure (12) configured to support the nozzle against the carpet, such that, in a supported condition of the nozzle against the carpet, the penetrator penetrates the carpet surface and the jet opening is disposed at least partially below the carpet surface.