Device for cleaning hard surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hard surface cleaning devices, such as window cleaning devices, often apply cleaning liquid as a spray mist, leading to unwanted exposure of surrounding areas and requiring cumbersome rework to remove excess liquid from non-target areas.
Innovation Solution
The design features a liquid container outlet movable within the container, an immersion weight ensuring the outlet is always at the lowest point, and liquid outlets positioned to apply cleaning liquid only when the cleaning surface is in contact with the surface, preventing spray and allowing targeted application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cleaning liquid is applied as a spray mist, then the cleaning liquid can be easily applied to the surface, but surrounding areas are exposed to cleaning liquid and require cumbersome rework
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid outlet is positioned at the cleaning surface level, delivering cleaning liquid locally and precisely where needed rather than as a widespread spray. This localized application ensures that only the intended cleaning area receives liquid, eliminating unwanted exposure of surrounding areas while maintaining ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If the liquid container outlet is fixed, then the structure is simple, but cleaning liquid cannot be reliably removed from the container in all orientations
Solution Approach 1:
An immersion weight is attached to the liquid outlet, causing it to sink to the lowest point of the liquid container regardless of the container's orientation. This counteracts the effect of gravity and container positioning, ensuring the outlet remains submerged and can reliably remove cleaning liquid in any orientation without complicating the overall structure.
3Loss of substance
If the liquid outlet is positioned at the cleaning surface level, then cleaning liquid is applied only to the intended surface, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid outlet is integrated directly into the cleaning surface structure, merging the liquid delivery function with the cleaning surface itself. This integration allows precise application of cleaning liquid only where needed, reducing waste without requiring separate, complex liquid delivery systems or additional components.
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
This configuration ensures cleaning liquid is applied exclusively to the intended surface, reducing waste and simplifying handling by eliminating the need for rework on non-target areas, while maintaining effective cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
an immersion weight is arranged or formed at the liquid container outlet... the floating weight can in particular ensure that the liquid container outlet is always arranged in the lowest area of the liquid container in relation to the direction of gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
The aim of the invention is to further improve the handling of a hard-surface cleaning device, in particular in the form of a window cleaning device, having a cleaning surface and a liquid application device for applying liquid to a surface to be cleaned, which cleaning surface is designed to be applied to and to be moved over the surface to be cleaned and which liquid application device comprises at least one liquid outlet for dispensing cleaning liquid onto the surface to be cleaned. This aim is achieved, according to the invention, in that the at least one liquid outlet is arranged or formed in a region surrounded by the cleaning surface.