Dual-Pump Floor Cleaner for High-Pressure Hard Floors and Heated Carpets
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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 ground-in dirt and debris.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a moveable housing featuring two electrically actuated fluid pumps that deliver fluid streams at pressures of 150 PSI to 1200 PSI and less than 600 PSI, respectively, along with an electrically actuated heater to provide heated fluid, allowing for efficient cleaning of various surfaces while minimizing electrical power consumption.
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 is simple, but the fluid pressure is insufficient (typically below 150 PSI) to effectively clean hard surfaces with ground-in dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid delivery system into two separate pumps: a first pump that delivers fluid at high pressure (150-1200 PSI) for hard surface cleaning, and a second pump that delivers fluid at lower pressure 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.
2Quantity of substance
If the fluid dispensing tank volume is increased to extend cleaning range, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the device weight and maneuverability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external water source (such as a building's water supply system) as an intermediary to replenish the fluid dispensing tank. This eliminates the need to carry large volumes of water in the device itself, thereby extending cleaning coverage without increasing device weight or compromising maneuverability.
3Quantity of substance
If the fluid dispensing tank volume is increased to extend cleaning range, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the time required for refilling and disposal is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by connecting the fluid dispensing tank to an external water source that can automatically refill the tank during or between cleaning operations. This eliminates the need to manually transport and pour large volumes of water, significantly reducing the time required for refilling and allowing continuous operation.
4Reliability
If heated fluid is added to clean carpeted surfaces effectively, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the electrical power consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing heated fluid specifically for carpet cleaning operations where heating provides substantial benefit, while using unheated fluid for hard surface cleaning where heating is less critical. This selective heating approach maintains cleaning effectiveness for carpets while minimizing overall electrical power consumption.
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 apparatus effectively cleans hard surfaces like grouted tile and carpeted floors with high-pressure and heated fluid streams, overcoming the limitations of prior devices by enabling continuous operation with reduced electrical power usage and convenient water management.
Implementation Method 1
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 2
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 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 600 PSI
Implementation Method 4
an electrically actuated vacuum pump which is operable to create a vacuum at the applicator end, and which is operable to remove the previously applied fluid from the dispensing tank, and deliver it back into a fluid recovery tank
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 600 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.