Accessory tool with integral cleanout assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessory tools and hoses for extraction cleaners accumulate debris over time, leading to unpleasant odors and obscured visibility during cleaning processes, as existing solutions lack efficient and user-friendly methods for debris removal.
Innovation Solution
An accessory tool with a cleanout assembly that includes a diverter sleeve and rinse tip, allowing for selective diversion of cleaning fluid from the spray tip into a transverse fluid channel for cleaning the lens and hose during a dedicated 'clean out' mode, utilizing the suction nozzle volume for debris removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If accessory tools and hoses are used for extraction cleaning, then cleaning functionality is improved, but debris accumulation occurs leading to odors and obscured visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cleaning function and the cleanout function into a single integrated accessory tool. The cleanout assembly is integrated into the tool body, allowing debris removal capability to be merged with the primary cleaning function, eliminating the need for separate cleanout accessories and preventing debris accumulation in the lens and hose.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory tool is designed to clean itself through the integrated cleanout assembly. The system uses the extraction cleaner's own suction capability to remove debris from the lens and hose, allowing the tool to service itself without requiring external cleaning equipment or manual disassembly.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a separate cleanout accessory is used, then debris removal capability is improved, but device complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleanout assembly is merged with the accessory tool body, creating a single integrated device. This eliminates the need for separate cleanout accessories and reduces the total number of components the user must manage, while still providing effective debris removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a primary cleaning tool and as its own cleanout device. The same accessory tool that performs extraction cleaning also has the capability to remove debris from itself, making it a universal tool that handles both cleaning and maintenance functions.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If cleaning fluid is diverted into the suction nozzle volume, then lens and hose cleanliness is improved, but spray functionality is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The cleanout assembly includes a movable diverter sleeve that can be positioned in different locations to either block the spray tip (directing fluid into the suction nozzle for cleanout) or allow spray operation. This dynamic positioning mechanism allows the system to switch between cleanout mode and spray mode, providing both functions as needed without permanent interruption of either.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter sleeve acts as an intermediary mechanism that controls the flow path of cleaning fluid. By positioning the diverter sleeve in different locations, it mediates between the spray function and the cleanout function, directing fluid flow appropriately for the desired operation mode.
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 and user-friendly removal of debris from the accessory tool and hose, maintaining cleanliness and visibility during extraction cleaning processes without the need for separate cleanout accessories.
Implementation Method 1
A suction source located aboard the extraction cleaner generates the above-described suction forces to extract spent cleaning fluid and entrained debris from the surface
Implementation Method 2
The spray tip is configured to dispense a cleaning fluid from the fluid delivery system onto a surface to be cleaned during a 'spray' mode of the extraction cleaner
Implementation Method 3
The cleanout assembly is connected to the tool body and configured to selectively divert the cleaning fluid from the spray tip and into the fluid channel during a 'clean out' mode of the extraction cleaner to thereby clean the lens and the accessory hose
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory tool for an extraction cleaner having an accessory hose, a fluid delivery system, and a fluid recovery system includes a lens, a tool body, a spray tip, and a cleanout assembly. The tool body is connectable to the fluid delivery system and the fluid recovery system via the accessory hose. The lens couples to the tool body to form a suction nozzle volume therebetween. The tool body defines a fluid channel opposite the lens. The spray tip dispenses a cleaning fluid from the fluid delivery system onto a surface during a spray cycle of the extraction cleaner. The cleanout assembly selectively diverts the cleaning fluid from the spray tip and into the suction nozzle volume via the fluid channel during a clean out cycle of the extraction cleaner to thereby clean the lens and the accessory hose.