Floor cleaning machine having positioning device for sweeping tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor cleaning machines lack a simple and effective method to monitor and adjust the wear of sweeping tools, particularly when they are partially or fully covered, which can lead to inefficient cleaning and unnecessary maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device with an actuating lever that pivots based on the wear of the sweeping tool, allowing easy positioning and indicating wear through a pivoting position, enabling operators to adjust the sweeping tool's height and rotation speed, and providing a wear indicator for timely replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sweeping tool is covered or positioned under the chassis, then the cleaning function is maintained, but the wear monitoring becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical linkage system connecting the sweeping tool to the indicator lever. This linkage transmits the vertical position information of the sweeping tool (which is covered) to the visible indicator lever, allowing wear monitoring without exposing the sweeping tool. The intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the hidden tool and the visible indicator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mechanical copy or representation of the sweeping tool's vertical position through the indicator lever. The indicator lever replicates the position information of the covered sweeping tool in a visible form, allowing operators to monitor wear by observing the indicator lever's position rather than directly viewing the sweeping tool itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sweeping tool height is adjusted manually, then the cleaning adaptability is improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the actuating lever automatically indicates the sweeping tool's vertical position through its own pivoting movement. The system serves itself by using the mechanical linkage to translate the tool's position into an visible indicator, eliminating the need for separate manual measurement or adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the indicator lever provides real-time visual feedback about the sweeping tool's vertical position and wear state. This feedback mechanism allows operators to immediately understand the tool's condition and make informed decisions about adjustment or replacement without complex procedures.
3Device complexity
If the sweeping tool wear is not monitored, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensing and digital monitoring systems with a simple mechanical linkage and visual indicator system. The mechanical lever and pivot mechanism provide wear indication through pure mechanical means, avoiding the need for sensors, processors, or electronic displays while maintaining effective wear monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the vertical position parameter of the sweeping tool as an indicator of wear. By monitoring the position parameter through the mechanical linkage system, the patent converts the physical wear (change in bristle length) into a measurable position change that can be visually indicated without complex measurement systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a floor cleaning machine, comprising a chassis (12), a sweeping tool holder (39), which is pivotably mounted on the chassis (12) about a first swivel axis (124), a sweeping tool (38), which sits on the sweeping tool holder (39), and a positioning device (41), via which the sweeping tool holder (39) is positionable for a processing position of the sweeping tool (38) on an base (42), on which the floor cleaning machine stands, and the sweeping tool holder (39) is positionable in a distanced position of the sweeping tool (38) from the base (42), wherein the positioning device (41) comprises an actuating lever (130), which is pivotably hinged to the chassis (12) about a second swivel axis (134), which is coupled to the sweeping tool holder (39), and via which the sweeping tool holder (39) can be moved into the processing position and the distanced position, and wherein, in the processing position, a swivel position of the actuating lever (130) is specified by a height (H) of the sweeping tool (38), wherein the height (H) of the sweeping tool (38) is wear-dependent.