Floor cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wet floor cleaners often require multiple liquids for effective cleaning based on surface type and soil level, but existing technologies lack efficient and user-friendly methods for mixing and distributing these liquids.
Innovation Solution
A wet floor cleaner with a liquid distribution assembly that includes a mixing module with spring-loaded closure and user-actuated outlets, allowing for simple and consistent mixing of multiple liquids, and a recovery tank for efficient liquid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple liquids are stored in separate tanks for different cleaning needs, then cleaning versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple tanks and mixing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple liquid storage tanks (first supply tank, second supply tank) into a single integrated liquid distribution assembly with a common mixing chamber. This merging approach allows multiple cleaning liquids to be stored and mixed in one unified structure rather than requiring separate distribution systems for each tank, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to deliver different liquid combinations for various cleaning needs
2Productivity
If a mixing module is added to combine multiple liquids, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing module operates automatically through a spring-loaded closure mechanism that opens in response to air flow or pressure changes during normal operation. The system self-regulates the mixing process without requiring manual intervention or complex electronic controls, thereby achieving effective liquid mixing while minimizing the complexity of control systems and user interaction mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If spring-loaded closure is used to control liquid flow, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential leakage or failure of the closure mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded closure is designed with inherent mechanical tension that maintains a sealing force on the outlet. The spring is pre-loaded to ensure continuous contact between the closure element and the outlet opening, creating a reliable seal that prevents leakage. This prior cushioning approach ensures the closure remains reliable under varying operating conditions without requiring complex electronic sensors or active control systems
4Productivity
If recovery tank is integrated into the fluid flow path, then liquid management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional tank and flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery tank integrated into the fluid flow path serves multiple functions: it collects and stores recovered liquid, maintains pressure balance in the system, and can potentially feed liquid back into the distribution system. By designing the recovery tank to perform these multiple roles within a single component integrated into the existing flow path, the system achieves improved liquid management efficiency without proportionally increasing 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
Enables efficient distribution and mixing of cleaning liquids with minimal user input, optimizing cleaning performance based on surface conditions and allowing for various liquid combinations, while preventing liquid flow when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded closure movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the spring-loaded closure closes the outlet
Implementation Method 2
a fluid flow motor configured to generate air flow along the fluid flow path
Implementation Method 3
a recovery tank positioned in the fluid flow path and configured to receive liquid-laden air from the air inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A floor cleaner has a fluid flow path, a fluid flow motor, a liquid distribution assembly, and a recovery tank positioned in the fluid flow path and configured to receive liquid-laden air from the air inlet. The liquid distribution assembly has a first supply tank for a first liquid, a second supply tank for a second liquid, and a mixing module for mixing the first liquid and the second liquid. The mixing module has a mixing chamber that allows the first and second liquids to mix before being expelled through an outlet of the mixing module. The mixing module includes a closure that is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the closure closes the outlet to prevent fluid flow through the outlet. In the open position, the closure opens the outlet to allow fluid flow through the outlet.