Cleaning apparatus and method for detecting the area to be cleaned covered by a cleaning apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning apparatuses in hygiene-sensitive areas require manual resetting of area coverage detection, leading to potential operating errors, especially in large open spaces where estimating area coverage is difficult.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning apparatus equipped with sensors that detect relative position and movement patterns to automatically reset the area coverage detection when a mop is replaced or rinsed, utilizing existing sensors for cost-effective implementation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the device continuously adds up the area covered by the cleaning apparatus, then the area coverage is tracked, but operating errors occur due to manual resetting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating reliabilityVSAvoidmanual resetting operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detector automatically detects when the mop is being sent for replacement or rinsing and autonomously resets the area determined by the device, eliminating the need for manual resetting operations and preventing operating errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses detected relative position and movement data to provide feedback about mop replacement events, triggering automatic resetting of the area counter based on the detected mop replacement or rinsing events

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of manufacture

If the detector uses existing sensors for automatic resetting, then cost is reduced, but detection precision may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidmop replacement detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system repurposes existing sensors already present in the cleaning apparatus for the additional function of detecting mop replacement events, eliminating the need for dedicated detection hardware while maintaining effective operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing sensor system serves dual purposes: its original function plus detecting relative position and movement patterns that indicate mop replacement, making the system self-sufficient without additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 operating reliability by accurately determining when a mop needs replacement or rinsing, reducing manual errors and ensuring hygienic practices are maintained.

Implementation Method 1

a detector which detects a relative position and/or relative movement of the cleaning apparatus with respect to the area to be cleaned

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRelative position detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20240164613A1Cleaning apparatus and method for detecting the area to be cleaned covered by a cleaning apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.05.23 CARL FREUDENBERG KG

AI summary

A cleaning apparatus, including a handle, a holder fixed to the handle, a device for detecting an area to be cleaned covered by the cleaning apparatus, and a detector which detects a relative position and/or relative movement of the cleaning apparatus with respect to the area to be cleaned. A mop is replaceably fixable to the holder. The detector is configured to use the relative position and/or relative movement detected by the detector to detect that the mop is being sent for replacement or for a rinsing process and the detector thereupon automatically resets the area determined by the device.