Extraction Cleaner Tool Head With Agitators and Integrated Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaners with fluid delivery and recovery systems lack effective tools for cleaning diverse surfaces such as tile, grout, and carpet, particularly in conjunction with steam delivery systems, as they often require multiple attachments and struggle with efficient fluid distribution and debris extraction.
Innovation Solution
An accessory tool assembly for surface cleaners, featuring a tool head with a working surface, agitators, and a suction air inlet, which includes fluid distributors and is designed to couple with both fluid and steam delivery systems, enabling efficient cleaning and debris recovery across various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple attachments are used for different surfaces, then cleaning capability for diverse surfaces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool head is designed with a universal structure that can effectively clean multiple surface types (tile, grout, carpet, upholstery) through integrated components including fluid distributors with multiple outlets, agitators for mechanical action, and a suction system with specifically oriented air inlets, eliminating the need for multiple specialized attachments
2Productivity
If fluid distributors are added to improve fluid distribution, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distributors are integrated directly into the tool head structure, combining fluid distribution functionality with the cleaning components (agitators, suction nozzle) in a single unified assembly, thereby improving cleaning effectiveness without significantly increasing overall device complexity
3Productivity
If suction air inlet is oriented transverse to longitudinal direction, then debris extraction capability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction air inlet is specifically oriented in the transverse direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool head) to create localized suction zones that are optimally positioned for extracting debris from the surface, while the overall tool head structure remains simple and straightforward
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 accessory tool assembly enhances cleaning efficiency by providing a versatile solution for different surfaces, including those with steam delivery, through its integrated fluid and steam management system, improving fluid distribution and debris extraction capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A suction source located aboard the extraction cleaner generates suction forces to extract spent fluid and entrained debris from the surface
Implementation Method 2
the cleaning fluid is dispensed from the above-described fluid supply tank, through a fluid supply conduit and onto the surface to be cleaned, such as through one or more nozzle orifices of the accessory tool
Data Source
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AI summary
An accessory tool assembly (20) adapted to couple with a hose (40) of an extraction cleaner (22) including a suction source (52) includes a tool head (42) and at least one fluid distributor (34, 36) for supplying and directing a cleaning fluid therethrough. The tool head (42) includes a front end (128) and a rear end (122) opposed to the front end (128), wherein a longitudinal direction (126) extends through the front and rear ends (128, 122) and a transverse direction (134) extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (126). The tool head (42) includes a working surface (116) on an underside of the front end (128). A plurality of agitators (138) extend from the working surface (116) and define a first interior area (140) therewithin. An extraction nozzle (45) is positioned in the first interior area (140) and defines at least a portion of a suction air inlet (46).