Cleaning machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning machines are heavy, energy-intensive, and large in size due to the use of compressors or hydraulic pumps for nebulizing liquids, which also require high pressures and are prone to clogging, and waste suctioned air is not utilized effectively.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning machine design that eliminates the need for compressors and hydraulic pumps by using a suction motor to create a pressure increase in the liquid tank, allowing for nebulization through a manual dispenser with a unique air-flow and fluid communication system, utilizing the suction motor's waste air for nebulization and maintaining the liquid at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a compressor is used to nebulize liquid product, then fine liquid particles can be obtained, but the machine becomes heavy, energy-intensive and occupies large volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compressor from the system entirely. Instead of using a compressor to pressurize air for nebulization, the invention uses the suction motor's waste air directly. The suction motor creates a pressure difference that draws liquid through capillary tubes, eliminating the need for a separate compressor unit and reducing overall machine weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction motor serves dual functions: it both vacuums debris and provides the pressure differential needed for liquid nebulization. The waste air from the suction motor is redirected through a communication channel to the dispensing gun, making the suction motor's output serve multiple purposes and eliminating the need for separate air compression equipment.
2Manufacturing precision
If a hydraulic pump is used to nebulize liquid product, then fine liquid particles can be obtained, but the machine becomes heavy, energy-intensive and occupies large volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hydraulic pump from the system. Instead of using a pump to pressurize liquid through small orifices, the invention relies on the suction motor creating a pressure differential that draws liquid through capillary tubes. This extraction of the hydraulic pump eliminates the associated energy consumption and mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure differential created by the suction motor to drive liquid flow through capillary tubes. The pressure difference between the suction side and discharge side of the motor is utilized to nebulize the liquid, replacing the need for a hydraulic pump while maintaining effective nebulization.
3Manufacturing precision
If high pressure is used to nebulize liquid through small nozzles, then fine liquid particles can be obtained, but the nozzles become clogged by limescale or impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses capillary tubes instead of small orifices or nozzles. The capillary effect in these tubes allows liquid to be drawn through them using surface tension and pressure differential, creating fine particles without requiring small restrictive openings that are prone to clogging. The capillary structure provides both fine atomization and resistance to blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forcing liquid through small openings using high pressure (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using the suction motor's pressure differential to draw liquid through capillary tubes. The liquid flow direction and pressure application are reversed, eliminating the clogging issue associated with high-pressure forced flow through small orifices.
4Device complexity
If suctioned air is discharged directly to environment, then simple system design is maintained, but air is not utilized effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The suction motor's waste air is given a second function: it is redirected through a communication channel to the dispensing gun to provide the air component for liquid nebulization. This multi-functional use of the waste air eliminates energy waste while adding the nebulization capability to the vacuum cleaner, achieving both simplicity and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the suction motor's exhaust air directly to the environment, the invention recovers and redirects it through a communication channel to the dispensing gun. The waste air is recovered and put to useful purpose by mixing with liquid in the capillary tubes to create the nebulized spray, eliminating waste while maintaining system simplicity.
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 machine is more compact, energy-efficient, and cost-effective, capable of producing fine liquid droplets without clogging issues, and effectively utilizes waste air for nebulization, providing a versatile and efficient cleaning solution.
Implementation Method 1
a suction motor (121) adapted to suction air from a dirt container (150), characterised in that the suction motor (121) is adapted to create a pressure increase in the liquid tank (110), in that the liquid tank (110) is maintained at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 2
a nebuliser device (10) for nebulising a liquid product (115) in very fine particles
Implementation Method 3
a first connecting duct (211) which connects in fluid communication said liquid tank (110) with said dispensing tube (30), a second connecting duct (225) which connects in air-flow communication said at least one waste air vent (125) with said dispensing tube (30)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Cleaning machine (100) comprising a nebuliser device (10) for nebulising a liquid product (115), a tank (110) containing said liquid product (115), an intake part (120) comprising at least one waste air vent (125), wherein said nebuliser device (10) comprises a dispenser (20) for dispensing said liquid product (115), a first connecting duct (211) which connects in fluid communication said tank (110) with said dispenser (20), a second duct (225) which connects in air-flow communication said at least one waste air vent (125) of said intake part (120) with said dispenser (20), wherein said dispenser (20) comprises a hollow body (21) comprising an inner cavity (25) connected in air-flow communication with said second duct (225), a dispensing tube (30) connected in fluid communication with said first duct (211), wherein a space is provided forming a nebulisation area (40) arranged at a mouth of an outlet pass-through opening of said dispensing tube (30) and at a mouth of a pass-through outlet opening of said inner cavity (25).