Surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses require separate machines for vacuuming and extracting cleaning solutions, as they are not designed to handle large particulate matter or liquids efficiently, leading to inefficiencies and increased storage needs.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus that operates in both vacuum and extractor modes, featuring a liquid distribution system, a two-stage separation system with a momentum separator and cyclone separator, and a design where the liquid treatment stage is positioned below the solid particulate matter treatment stage to reduce energy requirements and footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single apparatus is designed to perform both vacuum and extractor functions, then the number of machines needed is reduced and storage space is saved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with a universal cleaning head that can perform both vacuuming and extracting functions. The cleaning head includes a liquid distribution system with spray nozzles for applying cleaning solutions, while the separation system can handle both dry particulate matter and wet liquid extraction, allowing one machine to replace two separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the vacuum motor and extractor motor into a single suction motor, merges the particulate matter separation and liquid separation systems into one integrated separation chamber, and integrates the liquid distribution system with the cleaning head. This consolidation reduces the overall number of components while maintaining both vacuum and extracting capabilities
2Use of energy by moving object
If the liquid treatment stage is positioned below the solid particulate matter treatment stage, then energy requirements are reduced and footprint is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation system is arranged in a vertical configuration where the liquid separation stage is positioned at the bottom and the particulate matter separation stage is positioned above it. This vertical stacking in the height dimension allows liquid to drain downward by gravity while particulate matter is separated above, reducing the need for additional energy-consuming pumping mechanisms and minimizing the horizontal footprint
3Reliability
If a two-stage separation system is used with momentum separator and cyclone separator, then separation efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation system is divided into two distinct stages: a momentum separator that handles initial separation of larger particulate matter and excess liquid, followed by a cyclone separator that performs finer separation of remaining particulate matter from the liquid stream. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall separation efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity
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 a single apparatus to effectively vacuum and extract cleaning solutions, reducing energy consumption and storage needs by allowing for simultaneous dry and wet cleaning operations with improved efficiency and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The first treatment stage may be designed to remove liquid from an air stream (e.g., a momentum separator)
Implementation Method 2
The second treatment stage may be designed to remove solid particulate matter from the air stream (e.g., one or more cyclones in parallel)
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus such as an extractor has a liquid delivery system, a separator, a collection chamber in communication a the separated element outlet of the separator, and a separated liquid collection container downstream from the collection chamber.