Fluid collection system for floor maintenance machine

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid collection systems in floor maintenance machines often allow foam and debris to enter the vacuum source, potentially damaging the machine and leading to incomplete cleaning, as the baffle and filtration systems are not always effective in preventing their ingress.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a hollow skirt with internal features such as a fluid release valve and ribs into the gas pathway, along with a floating ball valve mechanism in the filter box, to prevent foam and debris from reaching the vacuum source by redirecting them to a collection point before the vacuum pump.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a baffle is used to separate the recovery chamber into foamy and non-foamy sides, then foam transfer between sides is inhibited, but liquid migration is permitted which may allow foam and floating debris to pass to the vacuum side

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of foam ingress to vacuum sourceVSAvoiddebris and foam passing through baffle to vacuum side

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A hollow skirt is introduced as an intermediary component in the vacuum pathway between the recovery chamber and vacuum source. The skirt contains internal features (ribs, fluid release valve) that actively redirect foam and debris away from the vacuum intake, serving as a mediator that protects the vacuum source while maintaining liquid recovery functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum pathway is segmented into multiple zones: the recovery chamber, the hollow skirt with internal separation features, and the vacuum source. This segmentation allows different functions to be performed in different zones - liquid recovery in the chamber, foam/debris redirection in the skirt, and clean vacuum operation at the source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the line ends are elevated within the recovery chamber to remain above liquid level, then robust vacuum is maintained and liquid ingress to vacuum source is prevented, but foam and floating debris can still reach the vacuum line

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum stability and liquid exclusionVSAvoidfoam and debris entering vacuum line

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow skirt acts as an intermediary barrier positioned in the vacuum pathway. It receives foam and debris that have passed the elevated line ends, then uses its internal features to redirect these materials away from the vacuum line, maintaining both vacuum stability and protection against contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The hollow skirt with its internal ribs and fluid release valve performs preliminary action by intercepting and redirecting foam and debris before they can reach the vacuum line. This preliminary protection occurs upstream in the pathway, preventing contaminants from reaching critical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a filter is placed within the machine prior to the vacuum pump, then contaminants are prevented from reaching the vacuum source, but the filter may remain out of sight and mind and not be replaced consistently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant prevention at vacuum sourceVSAvoidfilter maintenance and replacement consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow skirt serves as a visible intermediary component that operators can inspect and maintain. Its strategic positioning and functional importance make it part of the operator's regular attention, ensuring consistent maintenance compared to hidden filters that are easily overlooked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively prevents foam and debris from entering the vacuum source, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring complete fluid recovery, thus maintaining the vacuum's integrity and the cleanliness of the floor.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum source that draws a vacuum in a volume of the recovery chamber by drawing gas from the volume of the recovery chamber through the internal chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

a floating ball valve mechanism in the filter box, to prevent foam and debris from reaching the vacuum source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS10898047B2Fluid collection system for floor maintenance machine

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 RPS CORP

AI summary

A fluid collection system for a floor maintenance machine provides improved collection of fluid, foam, and debris prior to the vacuum source. The fluid collection system includes a recovery chamber defining a volume, a hollow structure (such as a modified skirt) having an internal chamber, and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the volume of the recovery chamber via the internal chamber and a vacuum line. The vacuum source draws a vacuum in the volume of the recovery chamber by drawing a gas from the volume of the recovery chamber through the internal chamber of the hollow structure and through the vacuum line.