Cleaning Head Liquid Distribution Using Pump and Gravity Feed
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid distribution systems for cleaning machines are costly and complex, requiring multiple components and pumps to distribute detergent and water effectively, which increases the overall cost and complexity of the system while compromising cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
A simplified cleaning apparatus that simultaneously dispenses cleaning solution onto a surface and extracts dirt using a combination of a first liquid source activated by a pump and a second liquid source drawn by gravity, integrated with a suction nozzle and recovery tank system to enhance cleaning efficiency and reduce component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pumps and components are used to distribute detergent and water, then cleaning performance is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple liquid distribution systems into a single integrated nozzle assembly. The first nozzle distributes detergent solution while the second nozzle distributes clean water, both from a common housing structure. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate pumps, valves, and distribution components needed, thereby lowering system complexity and cost while maintaining effective cleaning performance through coordinated liquid application.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple pumps are used to provide pressure for liquid distribution, then liquid distribution effectiveness is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a single pump system to provide pressurized flow to both the detergent solution channel and the clean water channel. The common pump draws liquids from respective tanks and delivers them through the integrated nozzle assembly, eliminating the need for multiple pumps. This approach reduces manufacturing cost and system complexity while maintaining effective liquid distribution through the shared pressurization system.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simplified system with fewer components is used, then system cost is reduced, but cleaning performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated nozzle assembly is segmented into distinct functional channels: a first channel for detergent solution distribution and a second channel for clean water distribution. Each channel has its own liquid source connection and nozzle opening, allowing independent control and optimization of each liquid's application. This segmentation within the integrated structure enables cost-effective manufacturing while preserving the cleaning performance benefits of multi-liquid application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different liquids through separate nozzle openings at specific locations on the cleaning head. The detergent solution is applied at one location while clean water is applied at another, allowing each liquid to perform its specific cleaning function optimally. This local differentiation within the integrated nozzle assembly maintains effective cleaning performance while using a simplified, lower-cost system architecture.
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 provides effective cleaning performance with reduced costs by minimizing the number of components and leveraging gravity-assisted liquid distribution, while maintaining efficient dirt extraction and solution recovery.
Implementation Method 1
A pump operatively connected to the first source to draw under pressure the first liquid to the surface
Implementation Method 2
A second source for distributing a second liquid onto the surface, wherein the second liquid from the second source is drawn to the cleaning surface by gravity alone
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation. The cleaning apparatus comprises a first source for distributing a first liquid onto said surface. An activating device operatively connected to the first source to activate the first source to distribute the first liquid onto the surface. A pump operatively connected to the first source to draw under pressure the first liquid to the surface. A second source for distributing a second liquid onto the surface, wherein the second liquid from the second source is drawn to the cleaning surface by gravity alone.