Extractor Tank Tray Drainage for Spill-Safe Fluid Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extractor cleaning machines face challenges in efficiently managing cleaning fluid distribution and collection, particularly in preventing fluid spillage and ensuring effective drainage during operation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pivotally coupled handle with a tank tray that includes a channel and drain system to direct fluid away from the tray, a distributor for fluid distribution, and a supply tank that is removably coupled to the handle, allowing for efficient fluid management and collection, with a groove and channel configuration to divert fluid towards the drain when the handle is reclined.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the supply tank is removably coupled to the handle for easy installation and removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but fluid spillage may occur during coupling and decoupling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The tank tray serves as an intermediary support structure between the supply tank and the handle. It provides a dedicated receptacle that guides the tank into position and maintains secure support during coupling and decoupling operations, preventing fluid spillage while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank tray is designed with channels and drains that prepare the system in advance to catch and redirect any fluid that might spill during tank coupling or decoupling. This preemptive fluid management prevents spillage before it can cause harm.
2Reliability
If the tank tray collects fluid spillage to prevent harm, then the reliability is improved, but fluid accumulation on the tray may interfere with normal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The channel and drain system extracts collected fluid from the tank tray and removes it from the operational area. This prevents fluid accumulation from interfering with normal extractor operations while maintaining the tray's spillage collection capability for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank tray's drain system is positioned and configured to automatically drain collected fluid without requiring external intervention. The gravity-driven flow from the drain location automatically manages fluid removal, maintaining tray functionality during operation.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is pivotally coupled to allow reclining for maneuverability, then the ease of operation is improved, but fluid drainage may be compromised when the handle is in different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system is designed with the drain location positioned on the tank tray to accommodate the dynamic range of handle motion. The geometric relationship between the tank tray and drain ensures that gravity-driven fluid drainage remains effective whether the handle is in the upright or reclined position, maintaining both maneuverability and drainage reliability.
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 enhances fluid management by preventing spillage, ensuring efficient fluid distribution and collection, and maintaining the cleanliness of the surface being cleaned, while allowing for easy handling and operation of the extractor.
Implementation Method 1
When the handle is moved from the upright position to the reclined position, fluid collected in the tank tray can move toward the drain
Implementation Method 2
A suction source is 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 3
A distributor is in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle and with the inlet. The distributor is operable to distribute cleaning fluid to the surface through the distribution nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
An extractor cleaning machine including a base or foot movable along a surface to be cleaned and a handle pivotally coupled to the foot for movement between an upright position and a reclined position. The handle includes a tank tray having an inlet and a drain. A channel communicates with the drain and extends away from the tank tray. A distributor communicates with the inlet and is operable to distribute cleaning fluid to the surface. A supply tank is removably coupled to the handle and has an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet when the supply tank is coupled to the handle. The supply tank is at least partially supported by the tank tray and the tank tray is configured to collect fluid spilt from the supply tank and to divert the fluid away from the tank tray by way of the channel.