Floor Cleaning Fluid Recirculation Using Segmented Squeegees
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor cleaning machines face challenges in efficiently dispensing and collecting cleaning fluid, leading to reduced cleaning capacity and increased downtime due to limited fluid tank sizes and inefficient fluid distribution, which results in incomplete cleaning and waste of cleaning fluid.
Innovation Solution
A floor cleaning machine with a fluid collection assembly that pools cleaning fluid behind the scrubbing assembly, using squeegees with strategically placed apertures for controlled fluid collection and recirculation, allowing the brush to maintain lubrication and extend the cleaning cycle without constant refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the capacity of fluid holding tanks is increased to extend cleaning cycle duration, then the cleaning machine can operate longer before refilling, but the machine size increases and it becomes difficult to operate in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid collection system is divided into multiple squeegees with different functions: a first squeegee collects fluid from the brush, a second squeegee collects fluid from the floor, and a third squeegee redistributes fluid. This segmentation allows efficient fluid management without requiring large tank capacities, thus extending cleaning cycle duration without increasing overall machine volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding spent cleaning fluid after a single use, the system recovers and recirculates it through the squeegee assembly. The fluid is collected, pooled in a retention area, and redistributed to the brush and floor surface, maximizing the utilization of each unit volume of cleaning fluid and extending operational duration without requiring larger tanks.
2Reliability
If cleaning fluid is dispensed at a near constant flow rate to maintain brush lubrication, then the brushes remain effectively lubricated throughout the cleaning cycle, but the cleaning cycle duration is limited by the tank capacity and requires frequent refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous brush lubrication through a closed-loop fluid recirculation system. The squeegees continuously collect spent fluid, pool it in a retention area, and redistribute it to the brush, ensuring uninterrupted lubrication throughout the cleaning cycle without requiring frequent refilling or interrupting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid collection and redistribution system operates as a feedback mechanism where spent fluid is continuously monitored and collected by the squeegees, then redistributed to maintain optimal brush lubrication levels. This feedback loop ensures consistent lubrication while maximizing fluid utilization efficiency.
3Volume of moving object
If the size of fluid holding tanks is reduced to make the machine compact for tight spaces, then the machine can operate in confined areas, but the cleaning cycle duration is reduced and requires more frequent refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The squeegee assembly performs self-service by automatically collecting, pooling, and redistributing cleaning fluid throughout the cleaning cycle. This self-regulating system maximizes the utilization of limited fluid resources, allowing compact tank sizes while maintaining extended cleaning cycle duration through efficient fluid recirculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic fluid redistribution through the squeegees, where fluid is collected, pooled, and redistributed at regular intervals during the cleaning cycle. This periodic action ensures continuous brush lubrication and extends the effective use of cleaning fluid, allowing compact machine design without sacrificing operational duration.
4Reliability
If cleaning fluid is continuously dispensed to maintain sufficient lubrication for effective cleaning, then the cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but more cleaning fluid is consumed and the tank depletes faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers spent cleaning fluid that would otherwise be wasted through the squeegee assembly. The fluid is collected from both the brush and floor surface, pooled in a retention area, and redistributed for continued use, significantly reducing cleaning fluid consumption while maintaining effective lubrication levels throughout the cleaning cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous fluid dispensing, the system uses periodic redistribution through the squeegees to maintain sufficient brush lubrication. Fluid is collected, pooled, and redistributed at intervals that maintain cleaning effectiveness while minimizing overall fluid consumption by ensuring each unit volume is used to its full potential.
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
This solution optimizes the use of cleaning fluid, extending the cleaning cycle and reducing downtime by maintaining fluid lubrication and efficient dirt removal, while minimizing waste and allowing for larger surface areas to be cleaned with a fixed volume of fluid.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid collection assembly is provided which pools a cleaning fluid behind a scrubbing assembly of the cleaning machine
Implementation Method 2
using squeegees with strategically placed apertures for controlled fluid collection and recirculation
Implementation Method 3
allowing the brush to maintain lubrication and extend the cleaning cycle without constant refilling
Data Source
AI summary
A floor cleaning machine is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element and a fluid collection assembly for pooling and retaining cleaning fluids proximate to the at least one cleaning element. A floor cleaning machine is provided that includes a cleaning fluid dispersion apparatus and a cleaning fluid collection assembly for efficiently dispensing fluid on a surface for cleaning the surface, and collecting the dispensed fluid to maximize the cleaning capacity of the fluid and extend the time of a cleaning cycle.