Unattended spot cleaning with surface sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extraction cleaning machines lack effective methods for deep cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, particularly in unattended modes, as they often rely solely on fluid delivery and suction systems without adequate disinfection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a steam delivery system and ultraviolet light emitting elements into an extraction cleaning machine, controlled by a timed duty cycle, to provide simultaneous steam or heated liquid application and UV light exposure for enhanced disinfection and sanitization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only fluid delivery and suction systems are used in extraction cleaning machines, then the device complexity is reduced, but the disinfection and sanitization capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning and disinfection functions (fluid delivery, suction, steam generation, and UV irradiation) into a single integrated cleaning machine. The steam delivery system and UV light emitting elements are incorporated into the existing extraction cleaning machine structure, allowing simultaneous or sequential operation of multiple functions without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning machine is designed to perform multiple functions: conventional extraction cleaning, steam cleaning, and UV disinfection. The controller system enables the machine to switch between different operational modes (extraction mode, steam mode, UV mode, or combination modes) based on cleaning requirements, making it a universal cleaning solution for various surfaces and contaminants.
2Reliability
If steam delivery system and UV light emitting elements are added to provide simultaneous disinfection, then the sanitization effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam delivery system and UV light emitting elements are integrated into the existing cleaning machine housing and control system. The controller coordinates the operation of steam generation, UV irradiation, fluid delivery, and suction functions, managing the complex interactions between these subsystems through a unified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine automatically controls the timing and sequencing of steam application and UV irradiation through its controller system. The timed duty cycle operation allows the system to autonomously manage the disinfection process without requiring manual intervention, reducing operational complexity despite the added functional complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If timed duty cycle control is used for steam and UV operations, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements timed duty cycle operation where steam delivery and UV irradiation are activated in periodic intervals rather than continuously. This allows energy-efficient operation by activating high-energy-consuming components (steam generator and UV lights) only when needed for disinfection, with automatic timing and sequencing managed by the control system.
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 combination enables effective disinfection and sanitization of surfaces, improving the cleaning process by eradicating bacteria and enhancing stain removal, even in unattended operations.
Implementation Method 1
A steam delivery system is operably coupled to the housing and supplies steam or heated liquid to the surface to be cleaned
Implementation Method 2
the at least one ultraviolet light emitting element to emit ultraviolet light to the surface to be cleaned
Data Source
AI summary
An extraction cleaning machine includes a housing with a fluid delivery system that includes a fluid distributor for delivering a cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. A fluid extraction system includes a suction nozzle for recovering soiled cleaning fluid from the surface. A steam delivery system is operably coupled to the housing and supplies steam or heated liquid to the surface. A controller is operably coupled to the steam delivery system and at least one ultraviolet light emitting element to selectively control the steam delivery system in accordance with a first timed duty cycle to generate at least one of the steam and the heated liquid that is supplied to the surface and the at least one ultraviolet light emitting element to emit ultraviolet light to the surface in accordance with a second timed duty cycle.