Floor treatment system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor treatment systems lack operational safety due to potential liquid overflow and contamination risks, particularly when connected to a liquid mains supply network, as they do not effectively manage pressure and prevent backflow or ingress of particles and germs.
Innovation Solution
A floor treatment system with a mobile apparatus and docking station featuring a movable container wall portion that opens to allow liquid exit and venting, preventing pressure buildup and contamination, and includes a valve system for controlling fluid connections to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the liquid container is connected to the supply conduit for automatic filling, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of liquid backflow and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container opening is positioned above the maximum liquid level to create an air gap that prevents liquid backflow into the supply conduit before contamination can occur. This preliminary protective measure eliminates the harmful effect of backflow during the automatic filling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The container opening acts as an intermediary element between the liquid container and the supply conduit, allowing liquid to enter while preventing direct contact and potential backflow contamination of the supply conduit through the elevated positioning.
2Reliability
If the container is sealed to prevent contamination, then the reliability is improved, but the pressure buildup from liquid filling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container opening positioned above the maximum liquid level provides preliminary venting capability that prevents pressure buildup before it becomes problematic, while the container remains effectively sealed against contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure is segmented into a sealed container body and a separate elevated opening structure, allowing the main container to remain sealed for contamination prevention while the elevated opening provides pressure relief functionality.
3Reliability
If the container opening is positioned at the top for venting, then the operational safety is improved, but the liquid level control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The elevated container opening automatically performs venting and liquid level regulation functions without requiring additional control mechanisms. When liquid reaches the opening level, it naturally exits through the opening, providing self-regulating liquid level control that enhances safety without increasing device complexity.
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
Enhances operational safety by preventing liquid backflow and contamination, allowing for automatic or manual operation, and enabling efficient filling and rinsing of liquid containers while maintaining system integrity.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for automatic or manual operation, and enabling efficient filling and rinsing of liquid containers while maintaining system integrity
Implementation Method 2
The floor treatment system comprises an opening device by way of which a wall portion of the container wall is movable, for clearing at least one container opening of the at least one liquid container, into an open position
Implementation Method 3
The docking station comprises a supply conduit which, in a docked position of the floor treatment apparatus on the docking station, is in fluidic connection with the at least one liquid conduit
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a floor treatment system, comprising a mobile floor treatment apparatus and a docking station therefor, wherein the floor treatment apparatus has at least one liquid container with a container wall and a container interior, as well as at least one liquid conduit for providing a liquid for the container interior; wherein the docking station comprises a supply conduit which, in a docked position of the floor treatment apparatus on the docking station, is in fluidic connection with the at least one liquid conduit; wherein the floor treatment system comprises an opening device by way of which a wall portion of the container wall is movable, for clearing at least one container opening of the at least one liquid container, into an open position, and in the docked position of the floor treatment apparatus the liquid can exit from the container interior through the container opening.