Extraction Cleaner Two-Tank Design for pH-Stable Cleaning Solutions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional extraction cleaners often face challenges in effectively cleaning surfaces with heavy soiling due to the breakdown of cleaning solutions at different pH levels and the need for storage stability, which affects the efficacy and efficiency of cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of a two-part cleaning system comprising a basic aqueous cleaning solution and an acidic aqueous oxidizing solution, where the oxidizing solution is stored separately to maintain stability and is mixed on demand, utilizing a peroxygen compound like hydrogen peroxide to enhance cleaning efficacy while preventing breakdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cleaning solution is used, then the cleaning process is simple, but the solution breaks down at different pH levels reducing cleaning efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into two separate tanks: a first tank storing a basic aqueous cleaning solution and a second tank storing an acidic aqueous oxidizing solution. This segmentation prevents the breakdown that occurs when acidic and basic components are mixed, maintaining cleaning efficacy while allowing the use of both types of cleaning agents.
2Stability of the object's composition
If acidic and basic cleaning solutions are stored separately, then storage stability is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning solutions (basic aqueous cleaning solution and acidic aqueous oxidizing solution) into a single extraction cleaner device with integrated tanks and delivery systems. This merging approach maintains the stability benefits of separate storage while reducing the overall complexity compared to using multiple separate devices.
3Productivity
If cleaning solutions are mixed in advance, then the cleaning process is efficient, but the active components break down reducing cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares both cleaning solutions (basic aqueous cleaning solution and acidic aqueous oxidizing solution) in advance and stores them separately in dedicated tanks. This preliminary preparation maintains the stability and efficacy of each solution while enabling efficient cleaning operation when the solutions are delivered to the cleaning surface.
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
This approach optimizes cleaning performance by maintaining active components at desired pH levels, preserving storage stability, and ensuring effective stain and soil removal from surfaces like carpets and fabrics.
Implementation Method 1
an acidic aqueous oxidizing solution, where the oxidizing solution is stored separately to maintain stability and is mixed on demand, utilizing a peroxygen compound like hydrogen peroxide to enhance cleaning efficacy
Data Source
AI summary
An extraction cleaner may include a cleaner body including a pump and a suction motor, a supply tank configured to be removably coupled to the cleaner body and configured to receive a first cleaning fluid, an additive tank configured to receive a second cleaning fluid, a recovery tank configured to be removably coupled to the cleaner body, and a cleaning tool including a fluid applicator and a cleaning assembly, the fluid applicator is configured to deliver one of the first cleaning fluid or a mixture of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned and the cleaning assembly is configured to extract at least a portion of the delivered first cleaning fluid or at least a portion of the delivered mixture.