Extractor cleaning machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extractor cleaning machines lack an efficient self-cleaning mechanism, leading to residual dirt and cleaning fluid accumulation on the hose and accessories, which can hinder performance and require manual cleaning.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a cleaning chamber with a valve system and a mode valve assembly that allows for the selective introduction of cleaning fluid to flush and sanitize the hose and accessories, combined with a suction mechanism to draw out dirt and fluid, enabling automatic cleaning of the extractor's components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual cleaning is used for hose and accessories, then cleaning can be performed, but it requires time and labor that could be spent on customer service
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor is equipped with a self-cleaning system that automatically cleans the hose and accessories using a cleaning chamber, cleaning fluid, and suction mechanism, eliminating the need for manual cleaning by operators
Solution Approach 2:
The self-cleaning system performs cleaning operations automatically after use, preparing the components for the next use without requiring manual intervention, thus saving time and maintaining readiness
2Extent of automation
If self-cleaning mechanism is added to the extractor, then automatic cleaning is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-cleaning system is integrated into the existing extractor structure by combining the cleaning chamber, valve system, and suction mechanism with the main body, rather than adding separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The suction mechanism serves dual purposes: it functions during normal extraction operations and also powers the self-cleaning process by drawing cleaning fluid through the hose and accessories
3Reliability
If cleaning fluid is introduced through valve system, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but risk of fluid leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system includes a mode valve assembly that controls and monitors the introduction of cleaning fluid, ensuring proper flow management and preventing over-pressurization or leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning chamber acts as an intermediary containment space that safely introduces cleaning fluid into the system, controlling its flow through the hose and accessories before discharge
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 allows for effective self-cleaning of the extractor's components, maintaining performance and reducing manual maintenance by ensuring the hose and accessories are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, preventing dirt and fluid accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
The suction fan generates a vacuum force that draws in fluid, dirt, or waste from the surface being cleaned
Implementation Method 2
a fluid distribution system, an agitator brush, a pump
Implementation Method 3
allows for the selective introduction of cleaning fluid to flush and sanitize the hose and accessories
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An extractor (20) including a housing (22), a suction source (29) disposed within the housing (22), and a suction nozzle (34) in communication with the suction source (29) and movable relative to the housing (22). The extractor (20) also includes a recovery tank (26) carried by the housing (22), and the suction source (29) is in communication with the recovery tank (26) for drawing fluid through the suction nozzle (34) and storing the drawn fluid in the recovery tank (26). A cleaning chamber (68) disposed on the housing (22) receives a portion of the suction nozzle (34), and the cleaning chamber (68) is configured to selectively receive a fluid along a fluid flow path (70) in communication with the cleaning chamber (68).