Extractor Cleaner Pump Flow Control With Multi-Speed Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Extractor-type surface cleaning machines face challenges in efficiently controlling the flow of cleaning solutions, particularly in transitioning between different operating speeds and flow rates to effectively clean various surfaces without fluid wastage or incomplete cleaning.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pump with multiple operating speeds and manually operable actuators to adjust the flow rate, along with a distributor and valve system that allows for selective fluid communication to the distribution nozzle and accessory hose, enabling efficient delivery and suction of cleaning fluids based on user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pump operates at a single high speed to ensure sufficient cleaning fluid flow, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but fluid wastage increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The pump speed is made dynamically adjustable through manually operable actuators that allow transition between multiple operating speeds. This enables the system to adapt pump speed to actual cleaning requirements, providing sufficient flow when needed while reducing flow during lighter cleaning tasks, thereby preventing fluid wastage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the pump by providing multiple discrete operating speeds. This allows the operator to select appropriate flow rates based on cleaning task requirements, optimizing the balance between cleaning effectiveness and fluid consumption.
2Quantity of substance
If the pump operates at high speed continuously, then cleaning fluid delivery is sufficient, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates dynamically at different speeds based on operational requirements rather than running continuously at high speed. The manually operable actuators enable the operator to select appropriate pump speeds, reducing energy consumption during tasks that require lower fluid delivery while maintaining sufficient cleaning fluid supply when high flow is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump operates in periodic cycles of different speeds rather than continuous high-speed operation. The operator can intermittently switch between speed levels according to cleaning task demands, achieving necessary fluid delivery only when required and conserving energy during periods of lower demand.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the pump operates at low speed to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but cleaning fluid flow becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic speed adjustment capability, allowing the pump to operate at low speeds during energy-conscious periods while maintaining the option to quickly increase to high speeds when sufficient cleaning fluid flow is required. This ensures both energy efficiency and adequate fluid delivery are achievable at different times as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump operates at partial capacity (low speed) during periods when full cleaning fluid flow is not required, conserving energy. When complete cleaning performance is needed, the pump can operate at excessive capacity (high speed) to ensure sufficient fluid delivery, then return to partial operation afterward.
4Measurement precision
If multiple actuators and valve systems are added to control pump speeds, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into discrete, manually operable actuators that each control specific pump speed transitions. This segmentation provides precise flow control through distinct speed levels while keeping each control element simple and independent, reducing overall system complexity compared to a continuous or highly integrated 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 configuration allows for precise control of cleaning fluid flow, ensuring effective surface cleaning by adjusting flow rates according to the cleaning task, reducing wastage and ensuring thorough cleaning of surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle and is operable to deliver cleaning fluid to the distribution nozzle. The pump has a first operating speed and a second operating speed that are both non-zero operating speeds.
Implementation Method 2
A suction source is supported by the base and is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle.
Data Source
AI summary
An extractor cleaning machine includes a base or foot having a distribution nozzle and a suction nozzle. A suction source fluidly communicates with the suction nozzle, and a distributor fluidly communicates with the distribution nozzle. The distributor delivers cleaning fluid to the distribution nozzle and has first and second non-zero operating speeds. A first manually operable actuator associated with the distributor changes the distributor from the first operating speed to the second operating speed. The distributor also includes a third non-zero operating speed, and a second manually operable actuator associated with the distributor changes the distributor from the second operating speed to the third operating speed.