Cleaning device for cleaning a surface comprising a brush and a squeegee element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for hard floors are bulky and inefficient, particularly in narrow spaces, due to the use of double squeegee and double brush arrangements, which result in poor maneuverability and increased risk of scratches, while also failing to effectively pick up both dirt and liquid in a single pass.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a single rotary brush and a single squeegee element, where the brush has flexible microfiber hairs with a low linear mass density and high centrifugal acceleration, allowing for effective dirt and liquid pickup and release, and a vacuum aggregate for ingestion, reducing the need for multiple squeegees and improving cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If double squeegee and double brush arrangements are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device bulkiness increases and maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple squeegees and brushes into a single integrated nozzle assembly. The cleaning device combines a rotary brush, squeegee element, and vacuum aggregate in one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate double squeegee and double brush arrangements while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through coordinated operation of these components
Solution Approach 2:
The single nozzle assembly performs multiple cleaning functions simultaneously - the rotary brush agitates and lifts dirt, the squeegee element pushes liquid and particles, and the vacuum aggregate ingests debris. This multi-functional integration replaces the need for multiple specialized components, reducing bulkiness while preserving comprehensive cleaning capability
2Reliability
If double squeegee arrangements are used on both sides of the brush, then cleaning results improve, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates cleaning functions into a single nozzle assembly containing one rotary brush, one squeegee element, and one vacuum aggregate. This merged configuration achieves effective cleaning through coordinated component interaction rather than through multiple independent squeegee arrangements, thereby reducing nozzle complexity
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 enables efficient cleaning of both dirt and liquid in a single pass, reduces nozzle bulkiness, minimizes scratching risk, and maintains effective stain removal, while allowing for efficient cleaning of narrow surfaces with improved maneuverability and self-cleaning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
flexible brush elements having tip portions for contacting the surface to be cleaned and picking up dirt particles and liquid from the surface
Implementation Method 2
the drive means are adapted to realize a centrifugal acceleration at the tip portions which is, in particular during a dirt release period when the brush elements are free from contact to the surface during rotation of the brush, at least 3,000 m/s2
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum aggregate for generating an under-pressure in the suction area for ingesting dirt particles and liquid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~6b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a surface (20), comprising: -a nozzle arrangement (10)that comprises i)a brush (12) rotatable about a brush axis (14), said brush (12)being provided with flexible brush elements (16)having tip portions (18)for contacting the surface to be cleaned (20)and picking up dirt particles (22)and liquid (24)from the surface (20) during a pick-up period when the brush elements (16)contact the surface (20)during the rotation of the brush (12), wherein a linear mass density of a plurality of the brush elements (16)is, at least at the tip portions (18), lower than 150 g per 10 km, and ii)a single squeegee element (32)for pushing or wiping dirt particles (22)and liquid (24) across or off the surface to be cleaned (20)during movement of the cleaning device (100), said squeegee element (32) being spaced apart from the brush (12)and extending substantially along a longitudinal direction (48)being substantially parallel to the brush axis (14), wherein a suction area (34)is defined within the nozzle arrangement (10) between the squeegee element (32)and the brush (12), -a drive means for driving the brush (12)in rotation, wherein the drive means are adapted to realize a centrifugal acceleration at the tip portions (18)which is, in particular during a dirt release period when the brush elements (16)are free from contact to the surface (20)during rotation of the brush (12), at least 3,000 m/s 2, and -a vacuum aggregate (38)for generating an under-pressure in the suction area (34)for ingesting dirt particles (22)and liquid (24).