Cleaner head member, cleaner head assembly and wet cleaning apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wet cleaning apparatuses face challenges such as inefficient use of cleaning liquid, clogging of pick-up components due to dirt particles, and wear of components during use, particularly when trying to deliver and pick up liquid simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A cleaner head member with a connector for a sealed dirt conduit, a pliable support substrate, a dirt inlet structure, a cleaning liquid outlet structure, and a pliable cleaning member with a porous layer that follows surface contours and allows efficient liquid transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cleaning liquid is delivered towards the surface to be cleaned, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of cleaning liquid being drawn into the dirt inlet structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidliquid drawn into dirt inlet

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A separation structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the cleaning liquid outlet structure and the dirt inlet structure. This separation structure prevents direct fluid communication while allowing both functions to operate, thereby mediating the conflict between cleaning liquid delivery and preventing liquid ingress into the dirt inlet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaner head member is segmented into distinct functional zones: a cleaning liquid outlet structure for liquid delivery, a dirt inlet structure for dirt pickup, and a separation structure between them. This segmentation isolates the liquid delivery pathway from the dirt inlet pathway, preventing contamination while maintaining both functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If a porous cleaning member is used to receive liquid from the surface, then liquid pick-up efficiency is improved, but dirt particles may clog the pores during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid pick-up efficiencyVSAvoidpore clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A porous cleaning member is utilized to receive liquid from the surface through capillary action and pressure differential. The porous structure provides high surface area and efficient liquid absorption while maintaining controlled pore sizes that can be optimized for both liquid uptake and resistance to clogging by dirt particles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the cleaner head member is made pliable to follow surface contours, then adaptability to uneven surfaces is improved, but structural strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontour following capabilityVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaner head member incorporates pliable materials that allow it to conform to uneven surfaces and contours. This flexibility enables the cleaning surfaces to maintain contact with irregular geometries while the overall structure remains intact through proper material selection and structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution enhances the efficiency of cleaning liquid delivery and dirt pick-up, reduces the risk of liquid being drawn into the dirt inlet, and allows for easier cleaning and maintenance of the cleaner head member, thereby improving overall cleaning performance.

Implementation Method 1

a pliable cleaning member (116) comprising a porous layer (118) having pores for receiving liquid from a surface to be cleaned

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

The dirt inlet structure (122A, 122B) is arranged to receive said liquid received by the pores of the porous layer (118) and to carry the liquid to the dirt conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4491079B1Cleaner head member, cleaner head assembly and wet cleaning apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.05.07 VERSUNI HLDG BV

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A

AI summary

Provided is a cleaner head member (100) attachable to and/or detachable from a cleaner head (102) of a wet cleaning apparatus. The cleaner head member comprises a connector (108) that is connectable to a complementary connector (110) of the cleaner head to provide a sealed dirt conduit between the cleaner head member and the cleaner head when the cleaner head member is attached to the cleaner head. The cleaner head member also comprises a pliable support substrate (114). A dirt inlet structure (122A, 122B) is defined in and/or is arranged on a surface (124) of the pliable support substrate. The dirt inlet structure extends across at least part of the surface. A pliable cleaning member (116) is also included in the cleaner head member. The pliable cleaning member comprises a porous layer (118) having pores for receiving liquid from a surface to be cleaned. The pliable cleaning member is arranged on the surface of the pliable support substrate to cover the dirt inlet structure. The dirt inlet structure receives the liquid initially received by the pores of the porous layer and carries the liquid to the dirt conduit. Also provided is a cleaner head assembly (104) comprising the cleaner head member and the cleaner head. Further provided is a wet cleaning apparatus comprising the cleaner head member or the cleaner head assembly.