Floor Scrubber Suction Switching for Bidirectional Cleaning Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor scrubber machines are inefficient when reversing direction, as the suction mechanism fails to effectively collect the washing liquid, leading to unsatisfactory cleaning and wastage of detergent, and existing solutions either require multiple passes or risk scratching the floor with moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A scrubber machine with a deviation device that alternates suction between two suction mouths, allowing communication with only the suction mouth downstream of the brush during forward motion and switching to the upstream mouth during backward motion, along with an actuation device to position squeegee elements appropriately, ensuring efficient cleaning without scratching the floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single suction mouth positioned downstream of the brush is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the machine cannot effectively suck up washing liquid when moving backward
Solution Approach 1:
The single suction mouth is segmented into two functional zones: a first suction zone positioned downstream of the brush for forward motion cleaning, and a second suction zone positioned upstream of the brush for backward motion cleaning. This segmentation allows the machine to effectively collect washing liquid in both directions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two suction mouths are always in suction mode, then the machine can suck up washing liquid in both directions, but multiple passes are required and detergent is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by alternately activating the first and second suction mouths based on the direction of motion. A control mechanism switches between the downstream suction mouth during forward motion and the upstream suction mouth during backward motion, ensuring that only the appropriate suction zone is active at any given time. This prevents detergent waste and allows single-pass cleaning efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If opening and closing plates are used to control suction mouths, then suction can be directed alternately, but the plates can warp over time and scratch the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical opening and closing plates are replaced with a pneumatic or electromagnetic control system. Solenoid valves or pneumatic actuators are used to control the suction flow distribution between the two suction mouths, eliminating the need for physical plates that contact the floor. This substitution improves reliability by removing wear-prone mechanical components and prevents floor scratching.
4Productivity
If the suction mouth is positioned downstream of the brush, then cleaning is effective during forward motion, but the suction mouth is upstream of the brush when moving backward
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is designed with multi-functionality by providing both a first suction mouth downstream of the brush and a second suction mouth upstream of the brush. The control mechanism enables the system to universally handle both forward and backward motion scenarios, selecting the appropriate suction mouth based on direction, thereby achieving effective cleaning regardless of motion direction.
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 achieves efficient cleaning in both directions with reduced detergent wastage and minimizes the risk of floor damage by selectively engaging suction mouths and positioning squeegee elements, optimizing cleaning performance and reducing 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
Figure 1
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AI summary
A machine (1) for cleaning surfaces (100) comprises a main body (10) and a handle portion (50) configured to move the main body (10) along a determined advancing direction. The main body (10) is equipped with a cleaning brush (15) positioned adjacent to the surface to be cleaned, and a first and a second squeegee element (20a) positioned at opposite sides of the cleaning brush (15). The main body (10) provides, furthermore, a first and a second suction mouth (25a, 25b) positioned at the first and the second squeegee element (20a), respectively, connected to a suction device (30) by a suction circuit (35). This comprises a deviation device (40) configured to alternately and selectively pneumatically connect the first suction mouth (25a), or the second suction mouth (25b) and the suction device (30), and to pneumatically disconnect, instead, the other suction mouth (25a, 25b).