Surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-surface vacuum cleaners lack an efficient system for detecting liquid levels and presence in recovery tanks, leading to potential overfilling or underutilization of cleaning solutions, and do not effectively manage the integration of recovery and fluid delivery systems for optimal cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner with a 'floatless' recovery tank equipped with electronic sensors to detect liquid levels and presence, integrated with a fluid delivery system and a tank receiver mechanism that ensures proper communication between the recovery tank and the vacuum's control system for automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional float-based liquid level detection system is used in the recovery tank, then the system is simple in structure, but it increases device complexity and may fail to provide precise liquid level detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical float-based liquid level detection systems with electronic sensing systems. The recovery tank includes electronic sensors (such as capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, or optical sensors) that detect liquid levels without mechanical moving parts, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic sensing mechanism between the liquid and the control system. The sensors act as intermediaries that convert liquid level information into electrical signals, which are then processed by the control system to determine when to shut off or interrupt the recovery system, providing precise detection without direct mechanical contact.
2Ease of operation
If the recovery tank is permanently integrated into the vacuum cleaner body, then the structure is simplified, but it reduces ease of operation for cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vacuum cleaner into separable modules, with the recovery tank as an independent removable component. The tank receiver mechanism allows the recovery tank to be easily detached and reattached, enabling users to clean or replace the tank without disassembling the entire vacuum cleaner, thereby improving ease of operation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system between the recovery tank and the vacuum cleaner body. The tank receiver mechanism allows the tank to be selectively attached or detached based on operational needs, providing flexibility in system configuration and simplifying user interaction during cleaning and maintenance tasks.
3Extent of automation
If electronic sensors and electrical contacts are added to detect liquid levels and tank presence, then measurement precision and automation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through electrical contacts and sensors that continuously monitor liquid levels and tank presence. The control system receives real-time information from these sensors and automatically adjusts operation, shutting off the recovery system when liquid levels reach predetermined thresholds, thereby achieving automation without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to monitor and regulate its own operation through integrated sensors and control logic. The electrical contacts and sensors automatically detect conditions (such as full tank status or tank absence) and trigger appropriate responses without user intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in terms of monitoring and control.
4Ease of operation
If the electrical contacts are placed on the tank receiver to detect tank presence, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may be compromised due to contact wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical electrical contacts with non-contact sensing technologies. The tank presence detection is achieved through capacitive sensors, optical sensors, or other non-contact methods that eliminate physical wear, thereby maintaining ease of automatic detection while significantly improving reliability and durability over time.
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 solution enables precise control over cleaning fluid usage, prevents overfilling, and ensures efficient recovery and reuse of cleaning solutions, enhancing the overall cleaning performance and user experience by providing real-time feedback and automated shut-off mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical contacts are configured to detect liquid levels in the recovery tank
Implementation Method 2
a first sensor configured to detect liquid within the collection chamber, the first sensor electrically coupled with the first conductive pad, and a second sensor configured to detect liquid within the collection chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus includes a recovery tank and an electronic sensing system configured to detect liquid at one or more levels within the recovery tank and determine when to shut-off or otherwise interrupt the recovery system. In addition, the sensing system can detect whether the recovery tank is missing from the apparatus.