Extraction cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface treatment apparatuses, such as extraction cleaners, face challenges in efficiently collecting and disposing of debris and liquids during surface cleaning operations.
Innovation Solution
The extraction cleaner design includes a body with a supply tank, an additive tank, a recovery tank, a fluid pump, a suction motor, and a base with a fluid applicator and suction inlet. This configuration allows for the application of cleaning fluids and simultaneous suction of liquids and debris for disposal in the recovery tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a surface treatment apparatus is used to clean surfaces, then debris and liquids can be collected, but the efficiency of collecting and disposing of debris and liquids is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is divided into a modular assembly that can be easily removed from the base. This segmentation allows the nozzle to be detached and replaced quickly, reducing the time needed for maintenance and debris disposal operations, thereby improving overall cleaning productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables efficient recovery and disposal of collected debris and liquids through a dedicated recovery tank system. The suction nozzle assembly is configured to facilitate easy emptying and cleaning of collected contaminants, reducing the time required for disposal operations and maintaining high cleaning efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If the suction nozzle is integrated into the base, then the structure is compact, but the suction nozzle cannot be easily removed for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is designed as a separate, modular assembly that connects to the base through a simplified interface. This segmentation maintains the compact integrated structure during operation while enabling easy removal and cleaning of the nozzle by detaching it from the base, thus improving maintenance accessibility without sacrificing structural compactness.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple tanks are added to the base, then cleaning fluid storage and recovery capacity are improved, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tanks (cleaning fluid supply tank and dirty water recovery tank) are integrated into a unified base structure with shared walls and coordinated mounting. This merging approach increases the total fluid capacity while minimizing the space required and reducing the complexity of individual tank components, as the tanks work together as a coordinated system rather than separate units.
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 described extraction cleaner effectively applies cleaning fluids to surfaces and efficiently recovers liquids and debris, enhancing cleaning performance and maintaining a clean environment.
Implementation Method 1
The pump is configured to urge one or more of the first and/or second fluid(s) through the fluid applicator of the base
Implementation Method 2
The suction motor is configured to draw at least a portion of the applied first and/or second fluid(s) into the suction inlet of the base to be deposited within the recovery tank
Data Source
AI summary
An extraction cleaner may include a base, an upright body pivotally coupled to the base, a supply tank removably coupled to the upright body and a recovery tank removably coupled to the upright body. The base may include a non-removable door and a removable suction nozzle. At least one fluid dispensing nozzle may be provided on the door. The door may be pivotally coupled to the base for providing access to an agitator. The cleaner may include and auto-spray configuration. The cleaner may include a support on the upright portion for the recovery tank. The cleaner may include an additive tank received in a receptacle of the supply tank. The recovery tank may include a float and/or an airflow management configuration. The cleaner may include a cleaning tool and a suction changeover valve and/or a fluid changeover valve. The cleaner may include a mixing valve for supplying fluid to a fluid changeover valve. A cleaning composition including an aqueous based cleaning solution mixed, on demand, with an aqueous based oxidizing solution is also provided.