Hard surface cleaning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hard surface cleaning devices suffer from suboptimal performance due to tilting of the separating chamber, which leads to inefficient liquid separation and smearing of dirt and detergent on surfaces, and lack a dedicated source for clean water or detergent.
Innovation Solution
A hard surface cleaning device with a pivotable rotation assembly and a separate receptacle for clean liquid, allowing for efficient liquid separation and providing a built-in mechanism for spraying clean water or detergent onto the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the separating chamber is tilted with the device when moved from one part of the surface to another, then the device can reach different parts of the surface, but liquid separation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independently movable parts: the surface-contacting assembly (wiping surface) that can be tilted to reach different parts of the surface, and the separation chamber that remains fixed in orientation to maintain optimal liquid separation efficiency. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiping surface is made dynamically adjustable through a tilting mechanism that allows it to change angle relative to the body, while the separation chamber maintains a fixed orientation. This dynamic adaptation enables the device to reach different surface areas while preserving separation performance.
2Device complexity
If a single tank is used for storing dirty liquid, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide clean water or detergent source is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid storage function is divided into separate tanks: a first tank for storing dirty liquid and a second tank for storing clean water or detergent. This segmentation allows the device to handle both waste liquid and clean liquid/detergent separately, enabling rinsing and detergent application functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both a dirty liquid tank and a clean liquid/detergent tank, allowing it to perform multiple functions: collecting dirty liquid, storing clean water for rinsing, and providing detergent source for cleaning operations.
3Productivity
If cloth or absorptive item is used to remove liquid from surface, then liquid removal is achieved, but the cloth becomes dirty requiring cleaning and drying
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses suction to remove liquid directly from the surface without requiring an external cloth or absorptive item. The suction source draws liquid through the wiping surface and into the separation chamber, where it is separated and collected in the tank, eliminating the need for subsequent cloth cleaning and drying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical process of liquid removal using cloth absorption is replaced by a suction-based system. The suction source creates a pressure differential that draws liquid through the wiping surface and into the separation chamber, substituting the mechanical absorption process with a pneumatic one.
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
Improves liquid separation efficiency, reduces smearing, and allows for effective cleaning without dirtying cloths, while providing a convenient source of clean liquid for the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
a suction source in fluid communication with the suction opening for sucking a fluid mixture of liquid and air from a hard surface
Implementation Method 2
the liquid present within the fluid sucked from the surface is allowed to settle, or is passed through a separator, to extract the liquid from the fluid mix
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning device includes a body, a suction opening, a suction source, and a separation chamber. The body has a handle and a receptacle. The suction source is at least partially located within the body. The suction source is in fluid communication with the suction opening and is operable to draw a fluid mixture of liquid and air through the suction opening. Liquid is separated from the fluid mixture in the separation chamber. The separation chamber is coupled to the body for rotation relative to the receptacle about a rotational axis. The separation chamber includes an inlet in fluid communication with the suction opening, an outlet in fluid communication with the suction source, and a drainage outlet in fluid communication with the receptacle.