Heated Cleaning Cloth System Without Steam Scale Build-Up

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface cleaning systems using steam technology face issues with scale build-up, inefficiency, and high energy consumption, limiting their effectiveness and durability.

Innovation Solution

A surface cleaning system with a heating device integrated into the cleaning cloth, utilizing a metal heating panel with a thermostat to maintain a constant high temperature, ensuring effective cleaning and sanitizing while minimizing energy usage and preventing scale formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If steam technology is used for surface cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but scale build-up occurs limiting device duration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddevice duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the temperature parameter from intermittent steam heating to continuous controlled heating, maintaining the cloth at a constant temperature between 40-100°C. This continuous temperature control prevents scale build-up while maintaining cleaning effectiveness, thereby extending device duration without sacrificing reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If steam generation systems are used, then cleaning capability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements continuous heating action through a thermostat-controlled heating element that maintains the cloth at the optimal temperature range continuously during operation. This eliminates the energy-wasting cycles of steam generation and cooling, providing consistent cleaning capability while reducing overall energy consumption by one-third compared to steam systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention incorporates a thermostat that provides feedback control of the heating element, automatically adjusting power delivery to maintain the cloth temperature within the 40-100°C range. This feedback mechanism prevents energy waste by only heating when necessary and at the exact temperature needed, optimizing the balance between cleaning capability and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If high temperature cleaning is implemented, then sanitizing action is improved, but energy loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesanitizing actionVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the temperature parameter to a specific range of 40-100°C, which is sufficient for sanitizing action but lower than traditional steam systems. The thermostat ensures the temperature stays within this optimized range, maintaining effective sanitizing while minimizing energy loss through excessive heating

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system provides a reliable, energy-efficient, and long-lasting cleaning solution with effective dirt removal and sanitizing capabilities, achieving one-third energy savings and extended device lifespan by maintaining a consistent high temperature across the cleaning cloth.

Implementation Method 1

The cleaning cloth is in direct contact with the entire lower surface of the heating panel, which warms it up to the pre-set temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

Said panel is equipped with a suitably calibrated thermostat (12) that keeps the heating panel temperature constant at the pre-set degree

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal regulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

From the tank (3) the water is sucked by means of a manual and/or electric pump (4) with pre-set suction quantity and then the water flows through a pipe (19) into the distribution chamber (7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP2854615B1Hot cleaning system for surfaces
Publication Date: 2016.09.07 MILANESE PIER ANTONIO
  • EP2854615B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2854615B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2854615B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention is a new system of surface hot cleaning comprising a handle with a handle grip provided with a lever, a water and/or detergent tank, a pump and a brush. The brush is provided with a swivel head hosting the water pipe and an electric cable for the power supply of a heating panel equipped with a heating element and a thermostat for temperature regulation. Said heating panel is in direct contact with the cleaning cloth so as to warm up the cloth, which is moistened by the water flowing from the pump. The cloth acquires a high temperature ideal for cleaning and sanitising surfaces. Moreover, the system guarantees the fast drying of the floor after cleaning.