Mist-Generating Cleaning Implement for Dust And Allergen Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning methods, such as vacuum cleaners and dusting tools, generate airborne particulates and malodors, which can be harmful to operators, especially those with allergies or respiratory sensitivities, and do not effectively suppress dust and allergens during the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
A modular mist generating system that can be integrated with cleaning devices, using a tank, air pump, and atomizer nozzle to produce a finely atomized liquid mist that suppresses dust and allergens, neutralizes odors, and applies treatments to surfaces, reducing airborne particulates and improving air quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotatably-driven agitator is used to agitate debris on a surface, then debris is released from the surface and more easily ingested, but airborne particulates such as dust particles, carpet fuzz, and allergens are generated and pollute the ambient air
Solution Approach 1:
The mist generating system activates before the agitator disturbs the surface, creating a mist barrier that suppresses particulates at the source before they can become airborne. The liquid mist is applied preliminarily to the surface and surrounding air to prevent dust generation during the cleaning process.
Solution Approach 2:
A liquid mist serves as an intermediary substance between the agitator and the airborne particulates. The mist droplets capture and weigh down dust particles, preventing them from becoming airborne while allowing the agitator to continue its cleaning function. This intermediary layer resolves the conflict between effective agitation and particulate suppression.
2Productivity
If a conventional vacuum cleaner suction source is used to generate working airflow, then dust and debris are entrained and separated, but malodors are released when the cleaning surface is disturbed and as air flows through the system
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid mist acts as an intermediary that interacts with odor-causing particles and gases. As the mist evaporates and disperses, it captures odor molecules and facilitates their removal through the suction system, reducing malodor release while maintaining effective dust separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of odor-causing substances by introducing liquid mist that can absorb and trap volatile organic compounds and odor particles. This parameter change from gaseous to liquid-associated state facilitates easier removal and reduction of malodors in the exhaust air.
3Ease of operation
If dusting tools such as dust mops or hand dusters are used to clean surfaces, then dust particles are disturbed and float upwardly, but operators can be sensitive to these airborne particulates especially those having allergies or respiratory sensitivities
Solution Approach 1:
The mist generating system is activated before the dusting operation begins, creating a protective mist environment that suppresses dust particles before they can become airborne. This preliminary action protects operators from exposure while allowing them to continue their dusting tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful airborne dust particles into a beneficial state by capturing them in liquid mist droplets. The dust particles that would normally float upward and harm operators are instead trapped in the mist, weighed down, and removed, transforming a harmful effect into a protective mechanism.
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 system effectively reduces airborne particulates and malodors, improving operator safety and surface treatment efficacy by converting liquid into fine mist droplets that agglomerate dust and allergens, allowing for efficient cleaning while minimizing exposure to harmful substances.
Implementation Method 1
an air pump in fluid communication with the tank inlet for supplying air to the tank, wherein, when the air pump has pressurized the supply of liquid in the tank
Implementation Method 2
an atomizer nozzle in fluid communication with the first outlet and having a nozzle outlet for spraying a mist
Data Source
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AI summary
A mist generating system for a cleaning implement is adapted to generate a finely atomized liquid mist for suppressing dust, allergens, and other airborne particulates. The mist generating system can be adapted to fit many cleaning implements such as vacuum cleaners, wet extraction cleaners, floor mops, and dusters to suppress airborne dust and particulates generated during operation and the cleaning process.