Cleaning tool for a surface cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaners with fluid delivery and recovery systems lack efficient tools for handling both fine and coarse debris, particularly in terms of debris capture and self-cleaning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of a cleaning tool with a suction nozzle featuring an adjustable lens and an agitator block that can switch between agitation and self-clean positions, allowing for enhanced debris capture and tool maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed suction channel volume is used in the suction nozzle, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot effectively capture both fine and coarse debris
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is made adjustable between retracted and extended positions, allowing the suction channel volume to dynamically change. This enables the same nozzle to handle both fine debris (with smaller suction channel volume) and coarse debris (with larger suction channel volume), resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
2Reliability
If the suction nozzle is used without a self-cleaning mechanism, then the device structure is simpler, but debris accumulates in the suction channel reducing cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is equipped with a self-cleaning mechanism that allows it to clean itself by reversing the suction flow or using the suction force to remove accumulated debris from the suction channel. This self-service capability maintains cleaning effectiveness without requiring external intervention, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lens is always in the extended position to maximize suction channel volume, then coarse debris capture is improved, but fine debris capture and suction efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens position is made dynamically adjustable, allowing the user to retract it for fine debris capture (maintaining high suction efficiency) or extend it for coarse debris capture (increasing suction channel volume). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between adaptability and productivity by optimizing performance for different debris types
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 tool effectively captures both fine and coarse debris, reducing the risk of debris entering the hose and recovery system, and facilitates easy self-cleaning, improving the overall efficiency and maintenance of surface cleaning operations.
Implementation Method 1
Surface cleaners, such as vacuum cleaners, use suction to collect debris and/or fluid to clean soft surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning tool adapted to couple with a hose of an extraction cleaner including a suction source is disclosed. The cleaning tool includes a tool body defining a suction pathway in fluid communication with the suction source. A removable tank defines an access opening to a reservoir. A hose adapter defines an outlet to the suction pathway. A suction nozzle defines a suction nozzle inlet in fluid communication with the suction pathway. An agitator block coupled to the suction nozzle, wherein the agitator block is adjustable between an agitation position and a self-clean position.