Dual-Pump Floor Cleaner for High-Pressure Hard Surface Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning apparatuses are limited in their ability to effectively clean both hard flooring surfaces and carpeted areas due to restricted fluid volume, lack of convenient hot water sources, and insufficient fluid pressure, which hinders the removal of embedded dirt and debris.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a moveable housing featuring two electrically actuated fluid pumps - one delivering a high-pressure stream of 150 PSI to 1200 PSI for hard surfaces and another delivering a low-pressure stream for carpets, along with an electrically actuated heater for heating the fluid, all while consuming less than 15 AMPS of electrical power to optimize energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a single fluid pump is used in prior art cleaning devices, then the device structure remains simple, but the fluid pressure is insufficient (typically less than 150 PSI) to effectively clean hard surfaces with embedded dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid delivery system into two separate pumps: a first pump dedicated to generating high-pressure fluid streams (150-1200 PSI) for hard surface cleaning, and a second pump for delivering low-pressure fluid streams for carpet cleaning. This segmentation allows each pump to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between achieving high pressure and maintaining system simplicity.
2Productivity
If the fluid dispensing tank volume is increased to clean more floor covering, then the cleaning capacity increases, but the device weight and size increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an automatic refilling system where the fluid dispensing tank can be automatically refilled from a water source during operation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for large tank volumes, as the system can continuously replenish its fluid supply, thereby maintaining high productivity without increasing device weight.
3Productivity
If hot water is used for cleaning to improve cleaning effectiveness, then cleaning performance increases, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an electrically actuated heater to control the temperature of the fluid, providing hot water when needed for improved cleaning effectiveness on hard surfaces. The heater can be electrically controlled to operate only when required, rather than continuously heating large volumes of water, thus achieving better cleaning performance while managing energy consumption through selective parameter adjustment.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the electrical power consumption is limited to less than 15 AMPS, then the energy efficiency improves, but the available power for operating multiple components is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electrically actuated components including pumps and heater that can be controlled in periodic or selective operation. The system can alternate between high-power operations (such as heating or high-pressure pumping) and low-power operations, ensuring that the total power consumption remains under 15 AMPS while still providing all necessary functions when needed, thus maintaining energy efficiency without sacrificing operational versatility.
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 efficient cleaning of various flooring surfaces, including hard surfaces like grouted tile and carpeted areas, by providing the necessary pressure and heat, while minimizing energy consumption and operational time.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrically actuated fluid pump which is mounted in the housing, and which is operable to deliver a first stream of fluid at a pressure of at least about 150 PSI to less than about 1200 PSI
Implementation Method 2
an electrically actuated heater which is mounted in the housing, and which is operable to impart heat energy to the second fluid stream
Implementation Method 3
a second electrically actuated fluid pump which is mounted in the housing, and which is operable to deliver a second stream of fluid, at a pressure, of less than about 150 PSI
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus is described and which includes a housing which is moveable across a supporting surface; a first electrically actuated fluid pump which is mounted in the housing, and which is operable to deliver a first stream of fluid at a pressure of at least about 150 PSI to less than about 1200 PSI; a second electrically actuated fluid pump which is mounted in the housing, and which is operable to deliver a second stream of fluid, at a pressure, of less than about 150 PSI; and an electrically actuated heater which is mounted in the housing, and which is operable to impart heat energy to the second fluid stream.