Floor Cleaning Fluid Mixing Control for Uniform Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor maintenance machines face challenges in uniformly dispensing cleaning fluids due to difficulties in controlling the ratio of water to cleaning chemicals and the rate of dispensing, which can be expensive and require skill to adjust on-site mixing.
Innovation Solution
A floor maintenance machine with separate reservoirs for bulk diluting fluid and cleaning chemicals, equipped with a mixing system that allows for controlled ratio adjustment and dispensing rate control using a pump and flow control device, operated by a controller to ensure accurate mixing and dispensing of cleaning solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cleaning chemicals are mixed with water on-site in storage tanks, then the cleaning solution can be prepared locally, but the ratio control becomes difficult and requires skilled operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mixing operations with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors to detect fluid levels and a microprocessor to calculate and control the precise ratio of cleaning chemical to water, eliminating the need for skilled operator judgment
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates level sensors that continuously monitor the amounts of cleaning chemical and water in the tanks, providing feedback to the microprocessor which adjusts the mixing ratios in real-time to maintain precise control throughout the mixing process
2Measurement precision
If pre-mixed cleaning solutions are used, then the ratio of water to cleaning chemicals is controlled, but water must be shipped which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the storage and mixing functions by maintaining cleaning chemicals and water in separate tanks, allowing water to be sourced locally while only shipping the concentrated cleaning chemicals, thereby reducing transportation costs while maintaining precise mixing ratios through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the concentration parameter of the cleaning solution by mixing concentrated cleaning chemical with water in controlled ratios, allowing the same cleaning effect to be achieved with less water transportation while maintaining solution quality through precise ratio control
3Duration of action of stationary object
If cleaning solutions are mixed in storage tanks, then the solution can be stored for later use, but the dispensing rate cannot be easily adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the dispensing rate dynamic by incorporating a variable speed pump controlled by the microprocessor, allowing the dispensing rate to be adjusted in real-time based on operational requirements while maintaining the ability to store mixed cleaning solution in the tanks for later use
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 precise control over the ratio of cleaning chemicals to water and the dispensing rate, allowing for customizable cleaning solutions and efficient operation, improving the cleaning process by ensuring uniform fluid distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is provided for pumping the cleaning chemical into the conduit system on a predetermined controlled basis
Implementation Method 2
A level sensor can be provided for monitoring the level (pressure head) of diluting fluid in its storage tank
Data Source
AI summary
A floor maintenance machine is provided. The machine can be used to clean hard or soft floors. A cleaning fluid is dispensed by a dispensing system containing at least two reservoirs, one for a diluting bulk fluid and another for cleaner concentrate. The dispensing system effects both a controlled ratio of bulk fluid to cleaner concentrate and the rate of cleaning solution dispensed for cleaning.