Floor Scrubber Pneumatic Suction Switching for Bidirectional Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor scrubber machines face inefficiencies when reversing direction, as the suction mechanism fails to effectively collect washing liquid, requiring multiple passes and leading to wasted detergent and time, and existing solutions either warp or scratch the floor.
Innovation Solution
A scrubber machine with a deviation device that alternately connects and disconnects suction mouths to the suction device, allowing effective suction in both forward and backward directions without scratching the floor, and an actuation device that positions squeegee elements optimally for efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 2 suction mouths are provided and both are always in suction mode, then suction effectiveness in both forward and backward directions is improved, but cleaning quality deteriorates and time loss increases due to multiple passes required
Solution Approach 1:
The suction mouths are made dynamically controllable through opening and closing elements that adjust their state based on the machine's movement direction. The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where only the appropriate suction mouth is active at any given time, optimizing both suction effectiveness and cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing elements operate periodically based on the machine's direction changes. When the machine moves forward, the downstream suction mouth opens and the upstream one closes; when moving backward, the roles reverse. This periodic switching ensures effective suction in both directions without requiring multiple passes.
2Ease of operation
If opening and closing plates are used at suction mouths, then suction control in different directions is improved, but the plates warp over time and fail to close effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical opening and closing plates are replaced with a pneumatic system. Pneumatic actuators provide the force needed to open and close the suction mouths, eliminating the mechanical wear and warping issues associated with plate-based systems. The pneumatic system offers more reliable and consistent operation over time.
3Ease of operation
If opening and closing plates are used at suction mouths, then suction control is improved, but the plates scratch the floor surface
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical plates that contact and potentially scratch the floor are replaced with a pneumatic control system. The pneumatic actuators are positioned away from the floor surface, eliminating the scratching problem while maintaining effective suction control through pneumatic pressure regulation.
4Device complexity
If a single suction mouth downstream of the brush is used, then the structure is simple, but suction is ineffective when the machine moves backward
Solution Approach 1:
The single suction mouth is segmented into two separate suction mouths positioned at different locations relative to the brush. This segmentation allows each suction mouth to be optimized for a specific direction of movement, with the downstream mouth handling forward motion and the upstream mouth handling backward motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented suction mouths are equipped with dynamic opening and closing elements that activate the appropriate suction mouth based on movement direction. This dynamic control ensures effective suction in both forward and backward directions while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
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 ensures efficient cleaning in both directions with reduced detergent usage and prevents floor damage, maintaining suction effectiveness and minimizing the need for multiple passes.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device (30) connected to the first and to the second suction mouth (25a, 25b) by a suction circuit (35)
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for cleaning surfaces comprises a main body and a handle portion configured to move the main body along a determined advancing direction. The main body is equipped with a cleaning brush positioned adjacent to the surface to be cleaned, and a first and a second squeegee element positioned at opposite sides of the cleaning brush. The main body provides, furthermore, a first and a second suction mouth positioned at the first and the second squeegee element, respectively, connected to a suction device by a suction circuit. This comprises a deviation device configured to alternately and selectively pneumatically connect the first suction mouth, or the second suction mouth and the suction device, and to pneumatically disconnect, instead, the other suction mouth.