Cleaning device and method of cleaning a surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for hard surfaces are inefficient due to manual refilling of cleaning fluid, which can lead to spills and limited adjustability for different cleaning tasks, and often fail to contain atomized cleaning fluids near the user's breathing space.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a flexible pouch containing cleaning fluid, a pump system, and a spray nozzle configuration that captures the cleaning fluid between the cleaning head and the surface, minimizing airborne exposure and allowing for adjustable cleaning heads and extension poles for various tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid cleaning fluid container is used, then the cleaning fluid can be stored, but the device cannot be adjusted for different cleaning tasks and requires manual refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning fluid container is segmented into a removable flexible pouch that can be easily detached and replaced. This allows users to refill or replace cleaning fluid without handling the entire device, simplifying the refilling process while maintaining versatility for different cleaning tasks through adjustable cleaning heads and extension poles
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning head is designed with adjustable components that can be modified to suit different cleaning tasks. The extension poles can be adjusted in length, and the cleaning head can be configured for various surface types, providing dynamic adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the spray nozzle is positioned away from the cleaning head, then the cleaning fluid can be sprayed, but the atomized cleaning fluid is not contained and may contact the user's breathing space
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid conduit acts as an intermediary, transporting cleaning fluid from the pump to the spray nozzle positioned on the cleaning head. This allows the spray nozzle to be located close to the cleaning surface for contained spraying, while the pump remains positioned away from the cleaning area for ease of operation and maintenance
3Loss of time
If the cleaning fluid reservoir is made large, then frequent refilling is avoided, but the device becomes heavier and less maneuverable
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning fluid storage is segmented into a removable pouch that can be quickly replaced. This allows the device to maintain a reasonable weight for maneuverability while enabling rapid refilling by simply detaching and attaching pouches, reducing the time loss from refilling without compromising device portability
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 user safety by containing cleaning fluids during use, improves ergonomics and maneuverability, and allows for efficient cleaning of multiple surfaces without the need for frequent refilling, while enabling adjustable configurations for different cleaning tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a pump system, and a spray nozzle configuration that captures the cleaning fluid
Implementation Method 2
The spray nozzle is positioned on the cleaning head so as to spray the cleaning fluid from the flexible pouch through the first spray opening onto a surface being cleaned
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
Cleaning device (10) including a housing (14), a cleaning head (18), a flexible pouch (12), a cleaning element (20), and a spray nozzle (22). The housing defines an internal cavity (30) having a power source (52) in selective electrical communication with a pump (50). The flexible pouch is removably stored in the housing and includes a cleaning fluid therein. The pouch forms a fluid and air tight connection with an inlet (60) of the pump. The cleaning element is connected to the cleaning head and has a first spray opening. The spray nozzle is in fluid communication with an outlet (62) of the pump. The spray nozzle is positioned on the cleaning head so as to spray the cleaning fluid from the flexible pouch through the first opening onto a surface being cleaned.