Extractor Cleaner Pump Speed Control for Variable Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extractor-type surface cleaning machines face challenges in efficiently controlling the flow rate 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 the user to control the flow rate through the use of microswitches and voltage adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pump operates at a single high speed to ensure effective cleaning of dirty areas, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but cleaning fluid consumption increases and fluid wastage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system transitions from a static single-speed design to a dynamic multi-speed system with at least two operating speeds (first and second speeds). The controller automatically adjusts the pump speed based on detected cleaning conditions, allowing the system to operate at higher speed for dirty areas requiring intensive cleaning and at lower speed for areas needing minimal cleaning, thereby optimizing cleaning effectiveness while reducing overall fluid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the pump by implementing variable speed control. The pump can operate at different speeds (first operating speed and second operating speed) depending on the cleaning requirements detected by the sensor. This parameter adjustment allows the system to match fluid delivery rate to actual cleaning needs, preventing both over-cleaning (fluid wastage) and under-cleaning (ineffective cleaning).
2Loss of substance
If the pump operates at a single low speed to minimize fluid consumption, then fluid wastage is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness decreases for dirty areas
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system transitions from a static single-speed design to a dynamic multi-speed system with at least two operating speeds (first and second speeds). The controller automatically adjusts the pump speed based on detected cleaning conditions, allowing the system to operate at higher speed for dirty areas requiring intensive cleaning and at lower speed for areas needing minimal cleaning, thereby optimizing cleaning effectiveness while reducing overall fluid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the pump by implementing variable speed control. The pump can operate at different speeds (first operating speed and second operating speed) depending on the cleaning requirements detected by the sensor. This parameter adjustment allows the system to match fluid delivery rate to actual cleaning needs, preventing both over-cleaning (fluid wastage) and under-cleaning (ineffective cleaning).
3Measurement precision
If multiple actuators and valve systems are added to control flow rate at different speeds, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical flow control mechanisms with an electronically controlled pump system. The pump's variable speed capability, controlled by electrical signals from the controller based on sensor input, provides precise flow rate adjustment without requiring multiple mechanical actuators, valves, and associated mechanical linkages. This substitution maintains flow control precision while significantly reducing mechanical device complexity.
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 efficient and controlled distribution of cleaning fluid at varying flow rates, ensuring effective cleaning of surfaces while minimizing fluid wastage and accommodating different cleaning needs, such as high-speed bursts for dirty areas.
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
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AI summary
An extractor cleaning machine includes a base or foot having a distribution nozzle and a suction nozzle. A suction source fiuidly communicates with the suction nozzle, and a distributor fiuidly 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.