Handheld Extractor Self-Cleaning Chamber to Prevent Nozzle Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extractor cleaning machines lack an efficient self-cleaning mechanism, leading to potential clogging and reduced performance over time.
Innovation Solution
The extractor includes a housing with a suction source, a suction nozzle, and a recovery tank, along with a cleaning chamber that can receive the suction nozzle and selectively receive cleaning fluid, enabling the machine to self-clean by drawing fluid through the nozzle and storing it in the recovery tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the suction nozzle is used continuously for cleaning operations, then cleaning productivity is improved, but the nozzle becomes clogged and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle performs self-cleaning by utilizing its own suction capability to draw cleaning fluid through itself during idle periods. The nozzle acts as both the cleaning tool and the cleaning mechanism, eliminating the need for separate cleaning equipment or disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cleaning of the nozzle by flushing it with cleaning fluid before the nozzle is needed for its primary cleaning function. This preventive maintenance ensures the nozzle is ready for optimal performance without requiring manual intervention.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning of the suction nozzle is performed frequently, then nozzle clogging is prevented, but machine downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle cleans itself automatically by drawing cleaning fluid through its own passage during idle periods, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning operations. This continuous self-maintenance prevents clogging without requiring machine downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning fluid flows continuously through the nozzle passage during idle periods, maintaining cleanliness without interruption to the overall cleaning operation. The useful action of cleaning is maintained continuously rather than being interrupted by manual maintenance cycles.
3Productivity
If the suction nozzle is designed with a larger opening to improve cleaning efficiency, then cleaning performance is improved, but the nozzle is more prone to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydraulic flow of cleaning fluid through the nozzle passage to prevent clogging. The fluid flow dynamically clears debris from the larger opening, allowing the nozzle to maintain both large opening benefits and clogging resistance through continuous fluid flushing.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle uses its own suction capability to draw cleaning fluid through itself, creating a self-cleaning mechanism that prevents clogging in the larger opening without requiring external cleaning equipment or reducing the opening size.
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 self-cleaning mechanism effectively prevents clogging, maintains the machine's performance, and reduces the need for frequent manual cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
The suction fan generates a vacuum force that draws in fluid, dirt, or waste from the surface being cleaned
Implementation Method 2
extractor cleaning machines may include a fluid distribution system, an agitator brush, a pump, and a suction fan
Implementation Method 3
The extractor also includes a recovery tank carried by the housing, and the suction source is in communication with the recovery tank for drawing fluid through the suction nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld extractor that includes a housing, a supply tank, a recovery tank, and a cleaning chamber. A fluid flow path is between the supply tank and the cleaning chamber. The cleaning chamber receives a suction nozzle and a suction source provides suction through a hose and the second fluid flow path to extract the cleaning fluid from the supply tank, along the fluid flow path into the cleaning chamber, through the hose and into the recovery tank to flush the cleaning fluid through the hose to clean the hose when the suction nozzle is received in the cleaning chamber.