Self-cleaning system and method for extraction cleaners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extraction cleaners, particularly upright and robotic models, often become dirty and difficult to maintain, especially in the brush chamber and extraction pathway, requiring significant user effort and time for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning system and method utilizing a cleaning tray with a recessed portion to surround the suction nozzle and agitator, allowing for automated cleaning cycles that distribute and suction cleaning fluid to flush and remove debris, reducing manual intervention and maintenance time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extraction cleaners are used for deep cleaning carpets and upholstery, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases due to accumulated debris in brush chamber and extraction pathway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-cleaning system where the extraction cleaner automatically cleans its own brush chamber and extraction pathway using its built-in fluid delivery and recovery systems. The controller activates the fluid distributor to spray cleaning fluid and the suction source to remove debris, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cleaning actions by detecting when debris accumulation reaches a threshold level through sensors, then automatically initiates the self-cleaning cycle before manual intervention is required. This prevents excessive debris buildup that would make manual cleaning more difficult.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If manual cleaning of brush chamber and extraction pathway is performed, then debris removal is achieved, but user time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction cleaner autonomously removes debris from its brush chamber and extraction pathway by activating its suction source and fluid delivery system. The controller manages the self-cleaning cycle, directing cleaning fluid to the brush chamber and extraction pathway, then using suction to remove the fluid along with accumulated debris, significantly reducing user time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors detect debris accumulation levels in the brush chamber and extraction pathway, providing feedback to the controller. When debris reaches a predetermined threshold, the controller automatically initiates the self-cleaning cycle, ensuring timely debris removal without requiring user assessment or intervention.
3Ease of operation
If autonomous robotic extraction cleaners are deployed, then operational convenience is improved, but cleaning accessibility of internal components worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous robotic extraction cleaner performs self-cleaning of its brush chamber and extraction pathway without requiring user intervention or disassembly. The built-in fluid delivery system sprays cleaning fluid into the brush chamber and extraction pathway, and the suction source removes the fluid along with debris, maintaining operational convenience while solving the accessibility problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic cleaner performs preliminary self-cleaning operations during its autonomous operation cycles, preventing debris accumulation that would otherwise require manual access and cleaning. This maintains the operational convenience of autonomous operation while ensuring internal components remain accessible for cleaning through automated processes.
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 self-cleaning system significantly reduces user effort and time required for maintenance, leading to more frequent and efficient use of extraction cleaners by automating the cleaning process for both upright and robotic models.
Implementation Method 1
a source of suction in fluid communication with the working air conduit to draw the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and the working air conduit to the recovery container
Implementation Method 2
An agitator can be provided for agitating the cleaning fluid on the surface
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and method for self-cleaning extraction cleaners (100), including upright or robot extraction cleaner are provided. In one system, a tray (142) can be provided for docking the extraction cleaner (100) during the self-cleaning mode. The tray (142) may include one or more sprayers for spraying a cleaning fluid toward an agitator (196) of the extraction cleaner. In another system, a nozzle flushing manifold mounted on the nozzle assembly of the extraction cleaner (100) includes a plurality of distributor outlets (48) configured to spray cleaning fluid into the suction pathway.