Extraction cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extraction cleaners face challenges in achieving a compact, portable design while maintaining a sufficient tank capacity for cleaning solutions and recovered debris.
Innovation Solution
The extraction cleaner features a base with a housing and a handle that supports taller supply and recovery tanks, allowing for increased volume without expanding the base's width. This design includes a latching assembly for securing the tanks and a mount to stabilize the suction hose and fluid delivery line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the base width is increased to accommodate larger tanks, then the tank capacity is improved, but the portability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal expansion to vertical expansion by extending the handle height to support taller tanks. The handle structure is designed with internal channels that accommodate the tanks vertically, allowing increased capacity without increasing base footprint, thus resolving the contradiction between tank capacity and portability.
2Quantity of substance
If the tanks are made taller to increase volume, then the tank capacity is improved, but the stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tanks are nested within the handle structure, with the handle's internal channels providing support and containment. This nesting arrangement ensures that taller tanks are properly supported and stabilized within the handle, preventing instability while maintaining increased volume capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If the handle structure is extended to support taller tanks, then the tank capacity is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the structural support for taller tanks, incorporates internal channels for tank accommodation, and maintains the cleaning function. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while enabling increased tank capacity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An extraction cleaner (10) includes a base (12), a supply tank assembly (18), and a recovery tank assembly (18). The base (12) has a housing (14) with a supply tank seat (80) adjacent to a first side wall (136) and a recovery tank seat (82) adjacent to an opposite second side wall (138). The base (12) has a handle (16) extending from the first and second side walls (136, 138) and above the housing (14). The supply tank assembly (18) is received by the supply tank seat (80), with an inner wall (180) interfitting with the first side wall (136) and with a first leg portion (16c) of the handle (16) and extending along the first leg portion (16c) to a grip portion (16a). The recovery tank assembly (18) is received by the recovery tank seat (82), with an inner wall (210) interfitting with the second side wall (138) and with a second leg portion (16d) of the handle (16) and extending along the second leg portion (16d) to the grip portion (16a).