Handheld cleaner with l-shaped suction nozzle & recovery tank assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld extraction cleaners lack an efficient recovery system for removing fluid and debris from surfaces, which complicates the removal of fluids and debris and the cleaning of the recovery assembly.
Innovation Solution
A handheld extraction cleaner with a unitary body and a recovery unit that includes a tank with a collection chamber, a lid, and a separator, where the recovery unit is receivable within a receiving cavity of the unitary body, allowing for efficient separation and collection of fluid and debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the recovery tank is positioned between the low-pressure side of the impeller and the suction nozzle, then fluid can be removed from the surface, but the recovery assembly becomes difficult to remove for cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery assembly is segmented into separable components: the recovery tank can be detached from the main body, and the lid can be removed independently. This segmentation allows the tank to remain positioned for effective fluid removal during operation while enabling easy removal and cleaning of individual components without disassembling the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The recovery tank is designed to be extractable from the main body of the cleaner. The tank can be removed from its positioned location between the impeller and suction nozzle, allowing users to access and clean the tank and lid separately without affecting the operational components of the cleaner.
2Reliability
If the recovery tank is enclosed with a lid, then fluid and debris are contained for transport, but the assembly becomes complex and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed as a separate, detachable component from the tank. This segmentation allows the lid to provide containment during transport while enabling easy removal for cleaning. The simple two-part structure (tank and lid) avoids complex sealing mechanisms or multiple components that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid can be completely removed from the tank, extracting the closure function from a permanent enclosure. This allows the tank to be open for easy cleaning and filling, yet provides full containment when the lid is positioned during transport or operation.
3Productivity
If the suction inlet is defined on the tank, then the recovery path is established, but the suction inlet positioning must be precise for proper airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The suction inlet is designed with a universal positioning system that accommodates variations in assembly. The inlet structure can interface with multiple positions on the tank or adjust to ensure proper airflow path establishment, reducing the need for extremely precise manufacturing tolerances while maintaining recovery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction inlet structure includes self-aligning features that automatically position the inlet correctly during assembly. The design allows the components to self-adjust to achieve proper airflow alignment without requiring high-precision manufacturing, as the structure guides itself into the correct position during assembly.
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 solution enables effective removal and storage of fluid and debris, facilitating the cleaning of the recovery assembly and improving the overall efficiency of the handheld extraction cleaner.
Implementation Method 1
a suction source positioned within the unitary body... create low pressure on one side of the impeller... to remove fluid from a surface
Implementation Method 2
a separator positioned within the recovery path and being positioned to separate dirty liquid from the recovery path and direct the dirty liquid into the collection chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld extraction cleaner includes a unitary body including a suction source and defining a front side and a receiving cavity extending inwardly from the front side. A recovery unit defines a recovery flow path extending between a suction inlet defined on a first end of the recovery unit and an outlet port positionable in communication with the suction source. The recovery unit includes a tank defining a collection chamber having an open top side and a front face on an exterior of the collection chamber and a lid positionable over the open top side of the tank to enclose the collection chamber and having a front portion extending along the front face of the tank.