Cleaning Implement Vibration and Suction Control to Prevent Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning implements face challenges in effectively cleaning surfaces with both vibration and suction functions, particularly when dealing with wet debris, as they often struggle to manage the interaction between suction and liquid, leading to inefficiencies and potential clogging.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning implement design featuring a vibration assembly with an eccentric mass coupled to a motor, generating oscillating forces between plates, and a vacuum assembly with a user-actuated switch system that deactivates suction when the sprayer is in use, allowing for simultaneous operation of vibration, suction, and solution dispensing without clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vacuum cleaner operates while solution is discharged via the spray mop, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the vacuum cleaner attempts to suck wet debris leading to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a controller to detect when the sprayer is activated and automatically deactivates the vacuum motor in response, creating a feedback loop that prevents the harmful interaction between suction and liquid discharge
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively deactivates the vacuum motor before clogging can occur by detecting sprayer activation, preventing the harmful effect of suction drawing liquid into the vacuum system
2Force
If the motor axis extends at a non-perpendicular transverse angle relative to the surface, then oscillating force is generated between plates, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The eccentric mass rotates with the motor rotor to generate oscillating forces that cause the oscillation plate to vibrate relative to the foot plate, enabling effective surface agitation through controlled mechanical vibration
Solution Approach 2:
The motor axis is intentionally positioned at a non-perpendicular transverse angle rather than being perpendicular to the surface, creating an asymmetric configuration that generates the necessary oscillating motion between the plates
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pin is coupled to the foot plate partition with portion positioned within the oscillation plate slot, then decoupling of plates is inhibited, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin acts as an intermediary component that physically connects the foot plate partition to the oscillation plate slot, preventing decoupling of the plates while allowing for reasonable manufacturing tolerances through its positioning within the slot
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 design enhances cleaning efficiency by ensuring effective surface agitation and debris removal while preventing clogging, allowing for seamless operation between suction and solution dispensing, improving overall cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
The eccentric mass is coupled to the rotor to generate an oscillating force between the foot plate and the oscillation plate upon operation of the motor. The oscillating force has a planar component parallel to the oscillation plate and a perpendicular component perpendicular to the oscillation plate.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning implement including a foot, a motor, and an eccentric mass. The foot has a foot plate and an oscillation plate movably coupled to the foot plate. The motor is coupled to at least one of the foot plate and the oscillation plate. The motor rotates about a motor axis extending at a non-perpendicular transverse angle relative to the surface. The eccentric mass is coupled to the motor to generate an oscillating force between the foot plate and the oscillation plate upon operation of the motor. The oscillating force has a planar component parallel to the oscillation plate and a perpendicular component perpendicular to the oscillation plate.