Cleaning tool having an impact on the surface to be cleaned

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices require separate regeneration processes for their endless cleaning elements, necessitating interruptions in the cleaning process and additional motor or gearing for high-speed regeneration.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device design featuring at least one rotationally fixed roller part for friction-based regeneration, with two or more roller parts of different radii of curvature, allowing simultaneous cleaning and regeneration without interrupting the process, using centrifugal forces and a traction mechanism to manage dirty liquid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate regeneration process is used for the endless cleaning element, then the cleaning element can be regenerated, but the cleaning process must be interrupted and additional motor or gearing is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregeneration capabilityVSAvoidcleaning continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cleaning function and regeneration function into a single continuous process by integrating a second roller part that performs regeneration simultaneously with the cleaning operation. The endless cleaning element passes over the first roller part (cleaning surface) and then over the second roller part (regeneration surface) in continuous motion, eliminating the need for separate regeneration cycles and maintaining uninterrupted cleaning productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If high speed rotation is used for regeneration, then regeneration effectiveness is improved, but additional motor or gearing complexity is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregeneration effectivenessVSAvoidmotor and gearing system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different radii of curvature to different roller parts to create locally optimized conditions. The second roller part has a smaller radius of curvature than the first roller part, which generates sufficient centrifugal force for effective regeneration at the same rotational speed, eliminating the need for high-speed rotation and complex additional motors or gearing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If the radius of curvature of roller parts is made different, then centrifugal forces vary for liquid disposal, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid disposal efficiencyVSAvoidroller radius consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent deliberately changes the geometric parameter (radius of curvature) of the roller parts to achieve different centrifugal forces. The second roller part is designed with a smaller radius of curvature than the first roller part, creating enhanced centrifugal force for effective liquid disposal. This parameter change is intentionally designed and manufactured, representing a controlled deviation rather than an precision error.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables continuous regeneration of the endless cleaning element during normal operation, eliminating the need for separate regeneration cycles and dual speed settings, ensuring efficient dirt removal and liquid disposal without interrupting the cleaning process.

Implementation Method 1

the radius of curvature of a partial roller area of the first roller part is different from a radius of curvature of a partial roller area of the second roller part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3310235B1Cleaning tool having an impact on the surface to be cleaned
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • EP3310235B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3310235B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3310235B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning device (1), in particular a floor-cleaning device, comprising a cleaning unit (2) which is at least partly covered by an endless cleaning element (3) that can be rotated continuously in relation to a surface to be cleaned during the action upon a surface to be cleaned. In order to devise a cleaning device (1) in which regeneration of the endless cleaning element (3) is particularly comfortable, the cleaning unit (2) comprises at least one first roller part (4) which can be placed on the surface to be cleaned and a second roller part (5), the radius of curvature (r1) of a roller subsection (6) of the first roller part (4) being different from a radius of curvature (r2) of a roller subsection (7) of the second roller part (5).