Curved Squeegee Assembly for Efficient Liquid Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional squeegee assemblies for floor cleaning machines are inefficient in removing liquids due to the need for extensive suction to draw liquid from the outer extents, and the process of replacing squeegee blades is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A uniquely shaped squeegee assembly with a frame having suction ports and squeegee blades that are concave and convex in shape to channel liquid towards the suction ports, along with a fixation device and lifting mechanism for efficient liquid removal and easy blade replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a straight squeegee assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but the suction has to perform much of the work to draw liquid from the outer extents, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The squeegee blade is designed with a curved or arced shape rather than a straight configuration. This curvature creates a V-shaped flow path that naturally directs liquid from the outer extents toward the center suction port, reducing the work required by suction and improving liquid removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The squeegee blade employs an asymmetric V-shaped or arced geometry where the blade angle and curvature are optimized to create effective liquid flow channels. This asymmetric design directs liquid flow more efficiently toward the suction port compared to a symmetric straight configuration.
2Strength
If conventional connectors disposed perpendicular to the squeegee blade length are used, then the connection is secure, but the blade replacement process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion, a retaining arm that can rotate between engaged and disengaged positions, and a biasing mechanism. This segmentation allows the connector to maintain secure attachment during operation while enabling quick blade replacement by simply rotating the retaining arm.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining arm is designed to rotate between a first position (engaging the blade for secure connection) and a second position (disengaging the blade for replacement). This dynamic movement transforms a static secure connection into a quickly releasable mechanism, making blade replacement simple while maintaining connection strength during use.
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 squeegee assembly effectively removes liquids from the floor by channeling them towards suction ports, improving efficiency and simplifying the process of replacing squeegee blades.
Implementation Method 1
suction is applied to remove the liquid from the floor
Data Source
AI summary
A squeegee assembly for removing liquids from a floor. The squeegee assembly includes a frame that is movable in a direction of travel and that includes a base and opposed walls defining a channel extending along the width of the frame, and a squeegee blade partially disposed in the frame within the channel adjacent one of the walls. The squeegee blade has a first longitudinal edge positioned adjacent the base of the channel and a second longitudinal edge extending outward from the channel. The squeegee assembly also includes a jam member that is engageable with the frame within the channel so that the squeegee blade is positioned between the frame and the jam member to couple the squeegee blade to the frame.