Liquid extraction cleaning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carpet and upholstery extraction cleaners often require sequential spraying, agitation, and vacuuming, which can be inefficient and may not thoroughly clean surfaces, especially in deep penetration applications.
Innovation Solution
A liquid extraction cleaning device with a vacuum pump, liquid pump, cleaning solution tank, recovery tank, spray nozzles, and an agitator assembly that allows for simultaneous spraying, agitation, and vacuuming, with adjustable spray nozzles and a selection switch for optimized liquid distribution and penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential spraying, agitation, and vacuuming is used, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning efficiency and liquid penetration are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines spraying, agitation, and vacuuming functions into a single integrated cleaning head assembly. The spray nozzles, agitator assembly with rotating and reciprocating elements, and vacuum inlet are positioned to operate simultaneously on the same carpet section, eliminating the need for sequential operations and improving cleaning efficiency without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic agitation elements including a rotating agitator and a reciprocating agitator that moves back and forth. This dynamic motion enhances liquid penetration into carpet fibers and improves soil removal effectiveness compared to static agitation methods, allowing simultaneous operation with all cleaning functions.
2Reliability
If simultaneous spraying, agitation, and vacuuming is implemented, then liquid penetration and cleaning thoroughness improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning head is segmented into distinct functional modules: spray nozzle assembly, rotating agitator module, reciprocating agitator module, and vacuum inlet section. Each module can be independently designed, adjusted, and maintained. The agitator assembly includes separate rotating and reciprocating components that can be controlled independently, allowing optimization of each function while managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning head assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - spraying cleaning solution, agitating carpet fibers through rotating and reciprocating motions, and vacuuming up soiled liquid all in one integrated unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for each operation, and the universal design allows the same assembly to handle various cleaning tasks including spot treatment and general carpet cleaning.
3Ease of operation
If adjustable spray nozzles and selection switches are added, then liquid distribution control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzles are designed with adjustable features allowing users to change spray pattern and direction. A selection switch enables dynamic control over spray distribution, allowing operators to adapt liquid application to different carpet types, stain locations, and cleaning requirements. This dynamic control improves ease of operation and cleaning effectiveness.
4Loss of time
If all cleaning functions operate simultaneously, then cleaning time is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device maintains continuous operation of all functions - spraying, agitation, and vacuuming - simultaneously across different sections of carpet. This continuous simultaneous action eliminates idle time between operations and ensures constant productive work, reducing total cleaning time despite higher instantaneous energy consumption. The system is designed to sustain this simultaneous operation efficiently.
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
Enhances cleaning efficiency by allowing simultaneous and controlled spraying and vacuuming, improving liquid penetration and recovery, especially during initial cleaning passes or deep cleaning tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid pump, operatively connected to the cleaning solution tank in a manner such that the liquid pump is capable of forcing cleaning liquid out of the spray nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum pump, operatively connected to the recovery tank in a manner such that the vacuum pump is capable of drawing air from the recovery tank
Implementation Method 3
The agitator assembly comprises first and second agitators and an electric motor. The first agitator is operatively connected to the electric motor in a manner such that operation of the electric motor causes the first agitator to rotate. The second agitator is operatively connected to the electric motor in a manner such that operation of the electric motor causes the second agitator to reciprocate.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid extraction cleaning device comprises a vacuum pump, a liquid pump, a cleaning solution tank, a recovery tank, first and second spray nozzles, a spray selection switch, a vacuum inlet port, an agitator assembly, and a handle. The spray selection switch controls whether liquid is expelled from the second spray nozzle when liquid is expelled from the first spray nozzle. The agitator assembly comprises first and second agitators. The first agitator is configured to rotate. The second agitator is configured to reciprocate. The handle is pivotally connected to the rest of the liquid extraction cleaning device and is lockable in several pivotal orientations. The handle can also be pivoted forward from a rearwardly extending direction to an extent that it extends forward horizontally.