Cleaning apparatus with steam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses, such as extraction cleaners and steam mops, are ineffective in treating all stain types equally and often lack visibility in fluid dispensing operations, making it difficult for users to ascertain proper operation.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus with a dual-phase distributor that dispenses heated liquid and steam vapor, featuring a phase separator to separate vapor and liquid phases, and a steam vapor outlet positioned externally for visual confirmation, along with a liquid delivery system for unheated liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard extraction cleaner is used, then liquid delivery and recovery systems are provided, but the cleaner cannot treat all stain types equally due to lack of heated fluid delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system is designed to provide multiple functions through a single integrated structure. The system can deliver both heated liquid and steam vapor through the same distributor, allowing it to treat different types of stains (organic, inorganic, protein-based, tannin-based) with the same apparatus, thereby achieving universality in stain treatment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the cleaning fluid by heating it to generate both heated liquid and steam vapor. This parameter change (temperature increase) enables the fluid to effectively treat various stain types that cannot be removed by cold liquid alone, thus improving adaptability without requiring multiple separate systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If steam mops are used for cleaning hard surfaces, then steam generation capability is provided, but they are not suitable for soft surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is segmented into separate outlets: one for heated liquid and another for steam vapor. This segmentation allows the user to select the appropriate phase (liquid or vapor) based on the surface type being cleaned, making the apparatus suitable for both soft and hard surfaces while maintaining a relatively simple overall configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic adaptability by allowing users to switch between different fluid phases (heated liquid or steam vapor) depending on the cleaning requirements. This dynamic selection capability enables the same apparatus to effectively clean different surface types without requiring complex reconfiguration.
3Ease of operation
If the distributor is hidden from view, then the apparatus structure is compact, but users cannot ascertain whether the apparatus is operating correctly to dispense fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes visual changes in the form of steam vapor emission to indicate operational status. When the heater operates correctly, visible steam vapor is emitted from the distributor, providing users with immediate visual feedback that the apparatus is functioning properly and dispensing heated fluid, thereby improving operational visibility without complicating the distributor design.
4Productivity
If only unheated liquid is dispensed, then the delivery system is simple, but cleaning efficacy for various stain types is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is merged with the fluid delivery system, integrating the heating function directly into the delivery pathway. This combination allows the system to generate both heated liquid and steam vapor within the same delivery infrastructure, significantly improving cleaning efficacy for various stain types while minimizing the increase in device complexity through efficient space utilization and integrated design.
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 cleaning efficacy by effectively treating various stains on both soft and hard surfaces while providing visual confirmation of operation through visible steam, ensuring efficient dirt removal and improved user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a heater in fluid communication with the fluid supply container
Implementation Method 2
a phase separator separating a vapor phase of the heated fluid from a liquid phase of the heated fluid
Implementation Method 3
a steam vapor outlet in fluid communication with the phase separator to dispense the vapor phase of the heated fluid as steam vapor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus (10) adapted for wet cleaning includes a heated fluid delivery system (12) having a dual-phase distributor (18) that dispenses heated liquid and steam vapor. The dual-phase distributor (18) can include a phase separator (20) that separates a vapor phase of a heated fluid from a liquid phase of the heated fluid, a heated liquid outlet (22), and a steam vapor outlet (24). The apparatus (10) can further include a liquid delivery system (62), and/or a recovery system (84).