Cleaning device using water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices require frequent user intervention to control water injection, making them inconvenient, and the adjustment of water flow is cumbersome, leading to inefficient cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A water cleaning device with a control system that uses a movable member and air hole mechanism to automatically regulate water flow based on the device's position relative to the floor, allowing for controlled water discharge during cleaning and preventing unnecessary discharge outside of cleaning operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual water injector controlled by a knob is used, then the user can control water injection, but the user must frequently operate the knob during cleaning which leads to inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically controls water injection based on detected cleaning conditions without requiring manual knob operations. The control unit receives signals from sensors and autonomously activates the water injector, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical knob control system is replaced with an automated electronic control system using sensors and a control unit. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical knob operations by using electronic detection and control mechanisms to manage water injection automatically.
2Device complexity
If a single knob operation determines the water injection amount, then the control mechanism is simple, but multiple knob operations are needed to adjust the water injection amount which leads to inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the control parameter from manual knob position to automated sensor-based detection of cleaning conditions. By detecting parameters such as cleaning progress or water needs, the system automatically adjusts the water injection amount in a single operation without requiring multiple manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback from sensors about the cleaning state and automatically adjusts water injection accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to determine the appropriate water amount and execute it in one operation, eliminating the need for repeated manual adjustments.
3Productivity
If water is continuously discharged during cleaning, then the cleaning process is efficient, but water must be frequently refilled which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous water discharge, the system uses periodic or intermittent water injection based on detected cleaning conditions. The water injector operates in cycles or at specific intervals determined by sensor feedback, maintaining cleaning efficiency while reducing total water consumption and refilling frequency.
4Device complexity
If the water injector operates without automatic control, then the device structure is simple, but frequent manual operations are required which reduces ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical control system is replaced with an automated electronic control system using sensors and a control unit. This substitution adds electronic components but eliminates the need for continuous manual mechanical operations, achieving time savings that outweigh the increased device 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
Enhances user convenience by automating water flow control, improving cleaning efficiency by ensuring water is only discharged during use and maintaining a consistent supply to the cleaning cloth, thus reducing the need for manual adjustments and extending the time between water refills.
Implementation Method 1
a movable member for opening or closing the air hole; wherein, if the movable member opens the air hole, air is introduced into the water tank through the air hole
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member in contact with each of the cap and the movable member to provide an elastic force to the movable member such that the state in which the movable member closes the air hole is maintained
Implementation Method 3
If the water cleaning device is placed on the floor, the movable member opens the air hole such that air is introduced into the water tank through the air hole
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
A cleaner includes: a nozzle assembly; a cleaner body communicated with the nozzle assembly; and a water cleaning device coupled to the nozzle assembly, wherein the water cleaning device includes: a water tank enabling a cloth to be adhered thereto, the water tank storing water to be supplied to the cloth, the water tank having an air hole for allowing air to be introduced from the outside therethrough; and a control device for opening or closing the air hole, wherein the control device includes a movable member movably disposed at the outside of a water storage space formed by the water tank, wherein the air hole is opened or closed by a movement of the movable member.