Cordless Mop With Base Station Steam and Fluid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current floor cleaning methods using mops with wet cloths or yarns are inefficient, requiring repeated soaking and squeezing of cleaning fluid, leading to prolonged cleaning times and potential for cross-infections, while traditional steam cleaners are cumbersome and require electric power.
Innovation Solution
A cordless cleaning device comprising a mop with a handle and head, and an external base station with a reservoir and nozzles for controlled dispensing of cleaning fluid, which can be heated to steam for efficient and sanitary cleaning, eliminating the need for buckets and electric cords.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional mops with wet cloths are used, then cleaning fluid can be applied to surfaces, but repeated soaking and squeezing is required which prolongs cleaning time
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into separate functional components: the mop head for mechanical cleaning action and an external base station with reservoir for fluid supply. This separation allows the mop to be lightweight and maneuverable while the base station handles fluid management, eliminating the need for repeated soaking and squeezing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mop head is designed with self-wetting capability through capillary channels that automatically draw cleaning fluid from the base station reservoir. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual soaking and squeezing, allowing the mop to maintain optimal moisture levels automatically during cleaning operations.
2Ease of operation
If buckets with cleaning fluid are used, then soaking is possible, but the fluid must be continuously monitored and replaced when dirty
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning fluid reservoir is extracted from the traditional bucket and integrated into an external base station. This separation allows the reservoir to be refilled and maintained independently of the mop head, simplifying fluid management. The system automatically handles fluid dispensing and monitoring, reducing the complexity of manual fluid management steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor the cleaning fluid level and quality in the base station reservoir. When the fluid needs replacement or the level is low, the system provides feedback signals to alert the user, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring and simplifying operation.
3Productivity
If steam cleaners with boilers are used, then deep cleaning is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires electric outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The heating and steam generation components are extracted from the portable mop device and relocated to an external base station. This allows the mop head to remain lightweight and cordless for easy portability, while the base station houses the boiler and power supply for effective steam generation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary approach where the mop head can operate in multiple modes: wet cleaning using fluid from the reservoir, or steam cleaning by receiving heated steam from the base station. This intermediary capability allows the user to switch between portability-focused and effectiveness-focused modes as needed.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If manual squeezing of wet head is used, then excess fluid is removed, but hands must be used which increases contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The mop head incorporates automatic fluid regulation through capillary channels and porous materials that self-regulate moisture absorption and release. This self-service mechanism eliminates excess fluid without requiring manual squeezing, reducing contamination risk while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical squeezing action is replaced with a combination of capillary action, controlled fluid dispensing, and optional steam drying. This substitution eliminates direct hand contact with contaminated surfaces and fluids, reducing cross-infection risk while achieving the same fluid management goal.
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 device provides efficient and sanitary cleaning with reduced cleaning time, avoiding excess fluid dispensing and the need for manual handling of cleaning fluid, while being lightweight and capable of cleaning large areas without electrical constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element operated by said power supply, and wherein the heater is adapted to warm up the cleaning fluid when the at least a portion of the mop head is in contact with said base section
Implementation Method 2
said base section further comprises one or more nozzles, through which at least a portion of said cleaning fluid is released and supplied to the mop head
Implementation Method 3
The use of high temperature steam is in fact very efficient in removing dirt and grime embedded on the surfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for cleaning planar surfaces such as floors, walls, ceilings, countertops, glasses, in particular for floors cleaning, comprising a mop and an external base station, wherein the external base station comprises a reservoir of cleaning fluid and it supplies said cleaning fluid to said mop, when the mop is in contact with a section of the base station. In a preferred embodiment the cleaning fluid is water and the device comprises a heating element is adapted to vaporize the cleaning fluid which is released through the one or more nozzles in the form of steam.