Hard surface cleaning devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for hard surfaces are inefficient due to manual refilling of cleaning fluid, limited adjustability, and potential for fluid exposure, which can lead to spills and inhalation of atomized cleaning agents.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a flexible pouch containing cleaning fluid, a pump system, and a spray nozzle configuration that minimizes fluid leakage and exposure, allowing for adjustable cleaning heads and extension poles for improved ergonomics and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual refilling of cleaning fluid reservoir is used, then device complexity is reduced, but user safety deteriorates due to potential spills and fluid exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device automatically refills the cleaning fluid reservoir from an attached container without requiring manual intervention. The system uses a pump to transfer fluid through valves and conduits, eliminating user contact with cleaning fluid and preventing spills while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate automated refilling system that mediates between the fluid container and the cleaning reservoir. This intermediary mechanism includes pumps, valves, and conduits that handle fluid transfer automatically, protecting the user from direct exposure to cleaning chemicals.
2Device complexity
If single cleaning task design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to adjust cleaning head shape and size
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device incorporates adjustable cleaning heads that can be reconfigured in terms of shape, size, and positioning. The extension pole system allows dynamic adjustment of device length and configuration to suit different cleaning tasks and user ergonomics, transforming a static device into an adaptable tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal cleaning device platform that can accommodate multiple cleaning head configurations and attachment types. This multi-functional approach allows a single base device to perform various cleaning tasks by changing attachments, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Device complexity
If non-adjustable device length is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to poor ergonomics for various cleaning tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates telescoping or segmented extension poles that can be adjusted in length to match different user heights and cleaning task requirements. This dynamic length adjustment improves ergonomics and ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity.
4Productivity
If cleaning fluid is sprayed without containment, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but harmful factors increase due to airborne atomized cleaning agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures the harmful airborne atomized cleaning agents that would otherwise be inhaled by the user and redirects them onto the cleaning surface. The cleaning head design funnels sprayed fluid downward, converting the potentially harmful aerosol into effective cleaning spray on the target surface.
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 device enhances user safety by containing the cleaning fluid spray between the cleaning head and surface, reducing airborne exposure and improving ease of use with adjustable components for various cleaning tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a pump system, and a spray nozzle configuration that minimizes fluid leakage and exposure
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cleaning a surface, comprising: providing a cleaning head, a housing, and a pump, the pump having a port, the cleaning head having a nozzle, and the cleaning head and housing being connected to one another; attaching a cleaning element with a first opening to the cleaning head so that the nozzle and the first opening are in registration; providing a flexible pouch having a cleaning fluid therein; connecting the port and the flexible pouch to form an air and fluid tight connection between the port and the flexible pouch; placing the cleaning element on a surface to be cleaned; and pumping, via the pump, the cleaning fluid from the flexible pouch through the nozzle and the first opening onto the surface to be cleaned.