Extraction cleaner with steam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extraction cleaners are ineffective in treating all stain types on various surfaces, and steam mops are not suitable for soft surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An extraction cleaner with a fluid recovery system, steam delivery system, and multiple user-selectable cleaning modes, including liquid and steam dispensing options, to effectively clean both hard and soft surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard extraction cleaners are used, then liquid cleaning is effective, but steam cleaning capability is missing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid delivery system and steam delivery system into a single extraction cleaner device. The liquid dispenser and steam distributor are integrated to operate simultaneously or independently, allowing the device to function as both a traditional extraction cleaner and a steam cleaner, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction cleaner is designed with multi-functional capability through the integration of liquid dispensing, steam dispensing, and vacuum recovery systems. The device can operate in multiple modes (liquid only, steam only, or combined), making it a universal cleaning tool that replaces both traditional extraction cleaners and steam mops, thus improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If steam mops are used, then steam cleaning is effective, but they are not suitable for soft surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a vacuum motor and recovery system that dynamically adjusts to different surface types. When cleaning soft surfaces like carpets, the vacuum recovery system prevents excessive moisture accumulation by continuously extracting used liquid and steam condensate, making the device safe and effective for soft surfaces while maintaining steam cleaning capability for hard surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum recovery system acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables steam cleaning on soft surfaces. By continuously removing excess moisture and vapor condensate, the recovery system mediates between the steam delivery function and the surface requirements, allowing steam to be used safely on carpets and upholstery without causing damage from over-wetting.
3Productivity
If multiple cleaning modes are added, then cleaning performance is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into functionally independent but integrated subsystems: liquid delivery system, steam delivery system, vacuum recovery system, and control system. Each subsystem can operate independently or in combination, allowing for multiple cleaning modes without requiring a completely separate device for each function, thus enhancing productivity while managing complexity through modular design.
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 cleaner provides enhanced cleaning performance on diverse surfaces by combining liquid and steam delivery modes, effectively removing dirt and stains on carpets and hard floors while ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
a steam delivery system including a heater in fluid communication with the fluid supply container and a steam distributor
Implementation Method 2
a source of suction in fluid communication with the working air conduit to draw the cleaning liquid from the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and the working air conduit to the recovery tank
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An extraction cleaner includes a steam delivery system, a liquid delivery system, and a recovery system, and includes multiple cleaning modes, including a first cleaning mode in which components of the steam delivery system, liquid delivery system, and recovery system are active, a second cleaning mode in which components of the delivery system and recovery system are active, and a third cleaning mode in which components of the steam delivery system are active. Methods for operating an extraction cleaner are also provided.