Dual-Port Squeegee Blade Geometry 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 rollers to orient and secure the blades, enhancing liquid removal efficiency and simplifying blade replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a straight squeegee assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but the liquid removal efficiency is poor because suction must draw liquid from outer extents
Solution Approach 1:
The squeegee assembly employs curved and arced geometries instead of straight lines. The V-shaped configuration with arced sides creates natural fluid flow paths that guide liquid toward the center suction port, improving liquid removal efficiency without requiring complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The squeegee assembly uses asymmetric V-shape and arced configurations where the geometry is deliberately unbalanced to create directional fluid flow. The asymmetric design naturally channels liquid from outer extents toward the center, eliminating the need for symmetric straight configurations that rely solely on suction force.
2Ease of operation
If conventional connectors perpendicular to blade lengths are used, then the connection is secure, but the blade replacement process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning connectors perpendicular to the blade length as in conventional designs, this invention inverts the connector orientation to be parallel with the blade length. This inversion simplifies the blade replacement process by allowing blades to be inserted and secured in a more straightforward manner, reducing maintenance complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector orientation parameter is changed from perpendicular to parallel relative to the blade length. This parameter change fundamentally alters the insertion and removal mechanics, making blade replacement less cumbersome while maintaining secure connection through the parallel alignment with the blade's longitudinal axis.
Data Source
AI summary
A squeegee assembly for removing liquids from a floor. The squeegee assembly includes a frame that has a first and second suction ports separated from each other in a lateral direction, and a squeegee blade coupled to the frame and positioned adjacent the suction ports. The squeegee blade has a first portion adjacent the first suction port, and a second portion adjacent the second suction port. The first portion extends in lateral directions away from the first suction port at an angle to channel fluid encountered by the first portion toward the first suction port. The second portion extends in lateral directions away from the second suction port at an angle to channel fluid encountered by the second portion toward the second suction port such that the squeegee blade acts as a separate funnel for each of the first suction port and the second suction port.