Floor Cleaner Sanitize Mode With Adjustable Suction Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floor cleaning machines lack the capability to effectively switch between washing and sanitizing modes, often requiring separate solutions and processes, which can be inefficient and ineffective in thoroughly sanitizing surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A floor cleaning machine designed with multiple operational modes, including a wash mode, sanitize mode, and rinse mode, utilizing a supply tank assembly with separate tanks for detergent and sanitizer, and adjustable suction nozzles to control the recovery rate and delivery pressure, allowing for the same cleaning solution to be used differently based on mode, ensuring effective sanitization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the machine operates in wash mode with high recovery rate, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but insufficient solution remains on surface for sanitizing
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is designed with an adjustable recovery rate mechanism that dynamically changes the suction opening area. In sanitize mode, the recovery rate is reduced by adjusting the suction opening to be smaller than in wash mode, allowing sufficient sanitizer solution to remain on the surface for effective sanitization while maintaining operational productivity.
2Device complexity
If the machine uses a single cleaning solution for both washing and sanitizing, then device complexity is reduced, but effectiveness of sanitizing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning solution system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both washing and sanitizing operations. The system includes tanks for different solutions and a control system that selects appropriate solutions based on operational mode, allowing one machine to universally handle multiple cleaning functions without requiring completely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including solution concentration, delivery pressure, and recovery rate based on the selected mode. In sanitize mode, the system adjusts these parameters to optimize sanitizer application and retention on the surface, ensuring effective sanitization while using the same basic machine platform.
3Productivity
If the suction opening area is large, then recovery rate is improved, but insufficient solution remains on surface for sanitizing
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle incorporates an adjustable opening mechanism that dynamically modifies the suction opening area based on operational mode. For sanitizing operations, the opening is reduced to maintain solution on the surface, while for washing operations, the opening is enlarged to maximize recovery rate and productivity.
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 machine can kill at least 90% of microorganisms on surfaces in sanitize mode, with the ability to adjust delivery and recovery to leave sufficient solution on the surface for sanitizing, enhancing cleaning efficiency and surface hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, the suction source operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface includes a body, a distribution nozzle supported by the body, a supply tank assembly coupled to the body in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle, a suction nozzle supported by the body, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The suction source is operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle. The floor cleaning machine also includes a recovery tank coupled to the body in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle. The floor cleaning machine is operable in a first mode to wash the surface and is operable in a second mode to sanitize the surface.