Hybrid Vacuum Nozzle With Irrigated Mop for Wet-Dry Floors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current floor cleaning devices that combine vacuuming and mopping functions are inefficient, particularly when transitioning between hard and soft floors, as they often result in poor cleaning performance, water control issues, and risk of floor damage due to inadequate water management and electrical hazards with mains-connected appliances.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid accessory for a conventional vacuum cleaner nozzle that allows simultaneous vacuuming and mopping, with a built-in water reservoir and irrigation system, enabling efficient dust pickup and mopping on both hard and soft floors without polluting the vacuum nozzle, and using a battery-operated appliance to reduce electrical hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional vacuum cleaner nozzle is used for hard floor cleaning, then dust pickup is effective, but water cannot be applied for mopping stains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines vacuuming and mopping functions into a single nozzle assembly. The mopping element with water reservoir and irrigation system is integrated with the vacuum nozzle, allowing both dust pickup and stain removal to be performed simultaneously or sequentially without switching devices or attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified nozzle serves multiple functions: vacuuming dust through the suction channel, mopping stains via the irrigation system and mopping element, and transitioning between hard and soft floors. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate vacuum and mop devices.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a mopping element with water reservoir is added to the vacuum nozzle, then continuous mopping is enabled, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The water reservoir is integrated within or attached to the nozzle structure, with the irrigation system nested within the nozzle body. The mopping element is positioned within the airflow path of the vacuum nozzle, creating a compact nested arrangement that enables continuous mopping without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation system automatically dispenses water onto the mopping element as needed during operation. The system self-regulates water delivery through the irrigation channel and outlet, eliminating the need for manual water application or complex external water supply mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the vacuum nozzle is lowered to improve dust pickup, then cleaning efficiency increases, but the nozzle may pollute the floor with water or debris
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is segmented into distinct functional zones: a front suction opening for dust pickup, a rear irrigation system for mopping, and separate discharge paths for dust and water. This segmentation allows the dust pickup function to operate at the front while the mopping function operates at the rear, preventing cross-contamination and floor pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The mopping element acts as an intermediary between the water reservoir and the floor, controlling water application. The irrigation system delivers water to the mopping element, which then applies it to the floor in a controlled manner, preventing direct water discharge that could cause pooling or damage.
4Power
If mains-connected appliances are used for wet cleaning, then power availability is high, but electrical hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric pump or dosing system with a passive gravity-fed irrigation system. Water flows from the reservoir through gravity-driven channels to the mopping element, eliminating the need for electrical pumps and associated electrical hazards while maintaining adequate water delivery for effective mopping.
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 efficient and continuous cleaning on various floor types, reducing user effort and time, while maintaining effective dust pickup and preventing water-related issues, with a battery-operated system ensuring safe operation and stable cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
a battery-powered suction cleaner (10) generates a suction force to move dust and dirt
Implementation Method 2
an irrigation system to deliver water to a substrate of the mopping element
Data Source
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AI summary
A nozzle (10) for a floor cleaning device, suitable for both wet and dry cleaning, the nozzle comprising an airflow inlet (50) at a front end of the nozzle, and a detachable cleaning device (90) that, if mounted on the nozzle (10), lifts a rear end of the nozzle.