Floor Treatment Machine Spillage Prevention Using U-Shaped Fluid Trap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor treatment machines experience spillage of dirty fluid from the waste fluid return hose when switched off due to the column of fluid running down under gravity, leading to unsanitary conditions.
Innovation Solution
A spillage prevention attachment that positions and orients the waste fluid conduit to form a U-shaped trap, using gripping members to retain the fluid within the conduit, preventing spillage when suction is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the waste fluid conduit is positioned to allow fluid drainage under gravity, then fluid collection efficiency is improved, but fluid spillage occurs when suction is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The spillage prevention attachment creates a U-shaped configuration in the waste fluid conduit that forms a fluid trap before spillage can occur. This preliminary structural arrangement prevents the harmful effect by capturing and retaining waste fluid in the U-shaped portion when suction is removed, counteracting the natural tendency of fluid to drain and spill under gravity
Solution Approach 2:
The spillage prevention attachment acts as an intermediary component between the waste fluid conduit and the environment. It introduces a U-shaped fluid trap that serves as a mediator to capture and hold waste fluid, preventing direct contact between the draining fluid and the floor surface
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a spillage prevention attachment is added to the waste fluid conduit, then fluid spillage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spillage prevention attachment is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be independently attached to the waste fluid conduit. This segmentation allows the fluid trap function to be added without redesigning the entire conduit system, and the attachment can be easily removed or adjusted if needed
Solution Approach 2:
The spillage prevention attachment creates a U-shaped curved configuration in the waste fluid conduit. This curvature is specifically designed to form a fluid trap that captures and retains waste fluid through its geometric shape, using the U-shaped portion to hold fluid volume greater than the column of fluid in the conduit
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
Effectively captures and retains waste fluid within the conduit, preventing spillage onto the floor and maintaining cleanliness during machine shutdown.
Implementation Method 1
The suction collector assembly is arranged to selectively suction and collect waste fluid in use
Implementation Method 2
the column of waste fluid in transit to the waste fluid tank runs down the waste fluid return hose under gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A floor treatment machine has a handle portion movably connected to a base portion. The base portion is provided with at least one floor treatment workhead, a cleaning fluid outlet, and a suction collector assembly having an inlet. The inlet is connected to a waste fluid conduit, and the suction collector assembly is arranged to selectively suction and collect waste fluid in use. A spillage prevention attachment is configured for attachment to the waste fluid conduit such that the spillage prevention attachment positions and orients a portion of the waste fluid conduit to collect and substantially retain waste fluid on removal of suction from the suction collector assembly.