Surface cleaning device with triggerless fluid distribution mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning devices, such as dry vacuums and wet extractors, rely on user interaction to distribute cleaning solutions, leading to inconsistent application and user fatigue due to the need for continual actuation of triggers or buttons.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning device with a movable base and a liquid distribution system that uses an encoder to generate signals based on user-initiated movement, allowing the controller to autonomously manage solution distribution independent of continuous user interaction, adjusting flow rates based on movement speed and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user interaction is required to distribute cleaning solution via trigger or button actuation, then the user has direct control over solution distribution, but user fatigue occurs due to prolonged actuation and inconsistent application results
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the encoder to detect base movement and automatically controls the liquid distribution system without requiring continuous user actuation. The controller autonomously activates the pump and regulates fluid flow based on movement detection, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring constant user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical trigger or button actuation is replaced with an automated electronic control system. The encoder generates electrical signals based on movement, which the controller processes to automatically operate the liquid distribution system, substituting the mechanical user interface with an electronic sensing and control mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If continuous trigger actuation is required for solution distribution, then the user can control the timing of distribution, but the complexity of the user interface increases and operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger or button interface is completely removed from the handle, extracting the manual control mechanism from the user interface. The liquid distribution function is decoupled from direct user actuation and instead triggered automatically by movement detection through the encoder and controller system.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual control of cleaning solution distribution is used, then the user can adjust application amount, but inconsistent application results occur due to misestimation of required fluid amount
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder provides continuous feedback about base movement to the controller, which automatically adjusts the liquid distribution rate accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures consistent solution application by linking fluid delivery directly to actual movement parameters rather than relying on user estimation.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to a triggerless extractor surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface in which a cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and extracted using suction along with dirt and/or debris on the surface in a continuous operation as the extractor moves along the surface. The extractor further comprises an encoder positioned adjacent a wheel of the extractor for detecting a rotational direction and speed of the wheel to generate a signal. Based on receiving the signal, a controller controls operation of a valve to situationally distribute the cleaning solution to the surface depending on a forward rotation of the wheel and independent of user actuation of a trigger positioned on a handle used to propel the extractor along the surface. Distribution of the cleaning solution can be further optimized based on the detected rotational speed of the wheel.