Floor cleaning machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor cleaning machines with inclined cleaning elements suffer from uneven cleaning effectiveness and require excessive user force to maneuver, as they lack the ability to transmit forces along the longitudinal axis of the control bar effectively.
Innovation Solution
A floor cleaning machine design featuring a pivotally connected control bar with a joint that includes a sleeve-shaped bellows and spherical projections/recesses, allowing torque to be applied perpendicular to the cleaning plane and enabling the transmission of forces along the longitudinal axis, thereby improving controllability and cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the cleaning elements are inclined relative to each other to propel the machine forward, then the machine gains self-propulsion capability, but the cleaning effect becomes non-uniform at the outer edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the propulsion function from the cleaning elements by providing separate propulsion means (wheels or tracks) that are independent of the cleaning elements. This allows the cleaning elements to be positioned perpendicular to the direction of movement, ensuring uniform cleaning across the entire cleaning width while the separate propulsion means provides forward movement without affecting cleaning uniformity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the joint lacks necessary guidance for the handlebar, then the handlebar has movement freedom, but defined movement and force transmission along the longitudinal axis are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow different types of movement under different conditions. The guidance elements provide defined movement paths for force transmission along the longitudinal axis, while permitting rotational freedom and lateral movement for maneuverability. This dynamic design adapts the joint's constraints based on the direction and type of applied forces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A floor cleaning machine (1) with a base (5) and a handlebar (7) is shown and described, wherein the base (5) has a cleaning element arrangement (27) with at least one driven cleaning element (51, 61), wherein free ends of the engagement elements (63) are arranged in a cleaning plane when engaging with the floor surface (3), wherein the handlebar (7) extends along a longitudinal axis (11) between a proximal end and a confirmation end (13) and is pivotably attached to the base (5) via a joint (9) such that it can be pivoted in any direction relative to the base (5), wherein the joint (9) comprises a sleeve-shaped bellows (81) extending between a first and a second end (83, 85), the first end (83) of which is connected to the base (5) and the second end (85) of which is connected to the handlebar (7), and a first support element (87).which is arranged inside the bellows (81) and is attached to the base (5) thereof in a direction away from it, and a second support element (91) which is arranged inside the bellows (81) and is attached to the proximal end of the operating handle (7) in a direction away from it, wherein the free end of one of the first and the second support elements (81, 91) has a convex spherical projection (89) and the free end of the other of the first and the second support elements (87, 91) has a concave spherical receiving recess (93), and wherein the receiving recess (93) is configured to receive the projection (89) and to guide it for a pivoting movement.