Floor Cleaner Filter Scraper Mechanism for Easy In-Use Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor cleaning machines face challenges in operating efficiently and effectively cleaning their filters, often requiring complex designs and frequent maintenance due to dirt accumulation, which complicates the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
The floor cleaning machine incorporates a pivot lever-operated cleaning device with a movable scraper, utilizing an angle gear and a bevel gear system that allows for easy, lubrication-free operation, positioning the cleaning components in a dirt chamber for a space-saving and low-maintenance design, enabling effective filter cleaning without the need for lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cleaning device is positioned outside the dirt chamber, then it is easier to access for the operator, but it increases the overall size of the machine and requires more complex structural arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is nested within the dirt chamber, with the angle gear and scraper positioned inside the existing housing structure. This allows the cleaning function to be integrated into the dirty environment without expanding the external dimensions of the machine, effectively placing one functional system inside another.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot lever is positioned on the exterior of the dirt chamber while the angle gear and scraper operate inside, creating a spatial arrangement where the operator interface is externally accessible but the cleaning mechanism is internally positioned. This dimensional separation allows easy operation without increasing overall machine footprint.
2Reliability
If the cleaning device requires lubrication, then the mechanical components can operate smoothly, but dirt accumulation in the lubrication system increases maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed to operate without external lubrication by utilizing the existing dirt environment. The angle gear and scraper are positioned such that they clean the filter pleats while being exposed to the same dirt conditions as the filter, eliminating the need for separate lubrication systems that would require maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of protecting the cleaning mechanism from dirt through lubrication, the design accepts dirt exposure and operates the mechanical components in the dirty environment. This converts the harmful effect of dirt into a beneficial arrangement where no separate lubrication system is needed, reducing maintenance requirements.
3Productivity
If a complex cleaning mechanism is used, then effective filter cleaning can be achieved, but the device becomes harder to operate and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is segmented into simple components: a pivot lever for operator input, an angle gear for motion conversion, and a scraper for filter cleaning. Each component has a single, well-defined function, avoiding complex mechanisms while achieving effective cleaning through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex motorized or automated cleaning mechanism, the design inverts the approach by using a simple manual pivot lever that the operator directly controls. This inversion from automated complexity to manual simplicity achieves effective cleaning while maintaining ease of operation.
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
The design facilitates easy and efficient filter cleaning from the operator's normal position, minimizing maintenance requirements and ensuring effective dirt removal from the filter without interrupting the cleaning process, thus enhancing the machine's usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning device comprises an angle gear to which the pivot lever is coupled, and the movable scraper is coupled to the angle gear
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a floor cleaning machine, comprising a suction device (66), a filter apparatus (70), which is assigned to the suction device (66), and a cleaning device (114) for the filter apparatus (70), wherein the cleaning device (114) comprises a hinged lever (118), which is arranged such that it can be operated by an operator of the floor cleaning machine who is positioned for the correct operation of the floor cleaning machine, wherein the cleaning device (114) comprises an angular gear (158) to which the hinged lever (118) is coupled and wherein the cleaning device (114) comprises a movable scraper (174) for the filter apparatus (70), which scraper is coupled to the angular gear (158), wherein a pivoting movement of the hinged lever (118) causes a cleaning movement of the scraper (174) on the filter apparatus (70).