Extractor cleaning machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extractor cleaning machines often require multiple motors to drive various components, leading to complexity and inefficiency in operation, particularly when switching between functions like floor cleaning and above-the-floor cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A drive mechanism that includes a motor with an output shaft and a belt system with a tensioner, allowing the motor to selectively drive either an agitator or a pump by tensioning and untensioning belts based on the handle's position, enabling efficient operation for both floor and above-the-floor cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple motors are used to drive various components (agitator, pump, suction fan), then each component can be driven independently and reliably, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive functions (agitator drive, pump drive, and suction fan drive) into a single motor unit. The motor shaft directly drives the agitator, while the suction fan is mounted on the motor housing and shares the same power source. The pump is selectively engaged through a clutch mechanism. This merging of drive functions reduces the number of motors from multiple to one, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable operation of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor unit is designed to perform multiple functions: driving the agitator for floor cleaning, driving the suction fan for vacuum generation, and selectively driving the pump for above-floor cleaning. This multi-functional design allows one motor to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated motors, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring each function can be reliably activated when needed.
2Device complexity
If a single motor drives both the agitator and the pump, then device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to selectively drive different components based on operating mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clutch mechanism as an intermediary between the single motor and the pump. The clutch is engaged or disengaged based on the operating mode (floor cleaning or above-floor cleaning). When the handle is in the upright position, the clutch engages to connect the motor to the pump. When the handle is inclined, the clutch disengages to connect the motor to the agitator. This intermediary device enables selective activation of different components without requiring multiple motors, thus reducing complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The clutch mechanism dynamically changes the connection between the motor and different components based on the handle position. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the single motor to efficiently switch between driving the agitator for floor cleaning and driving the pump for above-floor cleaning, resolving the contradiction between simplified complexity and operational selectivity.
3Extent of automation
If the handle position controls the drive mechanism, then automatic mode switching is achieved, but the belt tensioning mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The belt tensioner is designed to automatically adjust belt tension based on the handle position without requiring external control systems. The tensioner uses a spring mechanism that self-adjusts: when the handle is upright, the spring tensions the belt to engage the pump; when the handle is inclined, the spring releases tension to disengage the pump and engage the agitator. This self-service mechanism achieves automatic mode switching while keeping the tensioning mechanism relatively simple, relying on mechanical spring force rather than complex electronic or hydraulic systems.
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 solution simplifies the operation of extractor cleaning machines by allowing a single motor to efficiently drive either the agitator for floor cleaning or the pump for above-the-floor cleaning, enhancing versatility and reducing mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The suction source is operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a pump in fluid communication with the supply tank and the distribution nozzle to deliver fluid from the supply tank to the distribution nozzle
Implementation Method 3
a motor operable to drive the pump. The motor includes an output shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An extractor includes a base movable along a surface having an agitator. The extractor also includes a distribution nozzle, a suction nozzle, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface, a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store the fluid and dirt drawn, a supply tank supported by the base and in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle to supply cleaning fluid, a pump in fluid communication with the supply tank and the distribution nozzle to deliver fluid from the supply tank to the distribution nozzle, a motor operable to drive the agitator and the pump, and a drive mechanism coupled to the motor, the agitator, and the pump and operable to selectively connect the agitator and the pump to the motor to alternately drive the agitator and the pump.