A cleaning machine for cleaning surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning machines for large surfaces, such as floors, require manual inclination and lifting of the cleaning organ during transport, making it cumbersome to move while maintaining the cleaning organ raised and the frame stable.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of auxiliary rest means, including a small pirouetting wheel and a stem with a groove system, allows the frame to transition between a maneuvering configuration with the cleaning organ raised and a cleaning configuration with the organ in contact with the floor, enabling stable movement and easy transfer by allowing the frame to rest on the auxiliary wheel when lowered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cleaning organ is raised during transfer, then the cleaning organ is positioned at a distance from the ground for easier movement, but the frame must be manually inclined and kept in that position, increasing operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of transferVSAvoidframe inclination control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary wheel system enables the frame to automatically maintain its inclined position during transfer without requiring manual control. When the cleaning organ is raised, the frame naturally inclines and the auxiliary wheel contacts the ground to support the frame, creating a self-stabilizing mechanism that eliminates the need for continuous manual inclination control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If the cleaning machine uses only rear wheels for support, then the structure is simple, but the frame cannot maintain a stable inclined position during transfer, reducing transfer stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel configurationVSAvoidframe stability during transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel support system is segmented into two functional parts: rear wheels for stationary support during cleaning operations and auxiliary wheels for support during transfer operations. This segmentation allows each wheel type to be optimized for its specific function, with the auxiliary wheels providing stable support during transfer when the frame is inclined, while the rear wheels provide stable support during cleaning when the frame is level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates effortless transfer and operation by maintaining the cleaning organ raised during movement, reducing manual effort and ensuring stable contact with the surface during cleaning, enhancing operational efficiency and user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

The auxiliary rest means, in a particular embodiment of the invention, are constituted by a small pirouetting wheel located on the base of a stem

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

able to come into contact with the surface when the frame is inclined upwards and the cleaning organ is raised

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNormal force:

Implementation Method 3

when rotating the brush rubs on the floor to be cleaned, exerting a cleaning action

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

The rotary organ is activated in rotation by a motor, for example electric, supported by the support frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP2932877B1A cleaning machine for cleaning surfaces
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 IP CLEANING SRL
  • EP2932877B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2932877B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2932877B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A cleaning machine (1) for cleaning surfaces, comprising a support frame (10), at least a rotary cleaning organ (30) associated to the support frame (10) and able to enter into contact with the surface to be cleaned, first rest wheels (21) of the support frame, auxiliary rest wheel (22) of the support frame that can assume a first position in which it is raised with respect to the support frame (10) and a second position in which it is lowered with respect to the support frame (10), the auxiliary wheel (22) being positioned at a base of a stem (33) slidable in a bushing (32) associated to the support frame (10) with the axis perpendicular to the support frame between a first raised position and a second lowered position, wherein the stem (32) comprises a groove (34) realised on a surface thereof and the bushing (32) comprises a pin (35) projecting internally of the bushing (32) and able to slide in the groove (34), in which the groove (34) comprises a first (340) and a second (341) upper cuspids proximal to the end of the stem (33) that is distal from the wheel (22), the first and second upper cuspids (340, 341) being alternated with a first (342) and a second (343) lower cuspids directed towards the end of the stem (33) proximal to the wheel (22), the first lower cuspid (343) extends to not beyond a median point of the stem (33), while the second lower cuspid (343) extends to near the lower end of the stem (33).