Surface Treating Implement Locking Valve for Correct Container Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning implements often fail to prevent incorrect container attachment, leading to potential damage and user exposure to unintended substances, and lack user control over fluid dispensing, especially when cleaning fabric surfaces like carpets.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning implement with a container receiver and nozzle assembly featuring a valve or locking mechanism operated by a container member, ensuring correct container fitment and user-controlled dispensing of cleaning compositions, including a rotation valve and locking system to prevent over-rotation and accidental discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple container attachment system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but incorrect container attachment cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The container member and receiving orifice are designed with asymmetric geometries including bayonet projections and complementary recesses. This asymmetric design ensures that only containers with the correct orientation and configuration can be properly attached to the implement, preventing incorrect container attachment while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve member acts as an intermediary between the container and the fluid conduit system. The valve member includes a valve body with a receiving orifice that interfaces with the container member, providing both a mechanical connection interface and a fluid control function. This intermediary component enables correct container fitment verification while controlling fluid dispensing.
2Ease of operation
If a valve system is added to control fluid dispensing, then user control over dispensing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve control function is merged with the container attachment mechanism. The valve member is integrated into the container receiver assembly, and the valve operation is coupled with the container insertion and rotation motions. This merging allows users to control fluid dispensing through the existing container attachment operations without adding separate complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system utilizes dynamic motion sequences during container attachment. The valve member transitions between different positions (closed, opening, open) as the container is inserted and rotated into place. This dynamic operation allows the valve to automatically respond to container attachment status, providing user control through natural operational sequences rather than static control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is implemented, then container disconnection is prevented, but the ease of container removal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates through periodic cyclic motions during container attachment and removal. The bayonet-style connection requires rotation in one direction to engage the lock, and rotation in the opposite direction to disengage it. This periodic action provides strong locking during use while maintaining relatively easy removal through simple reverse rotation, avoiding the need for complex tool-based removal systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A surface treating implement, comprises a body including:—a container receiver;a nozzle assembly comprising a fluid conduit fluidly connected to the container receiver;a container mounted to the container receiver, containing a predetermined amount of a treating composition and having a dispensing opening in fluid communication with the fluid conduit;wherein the body is associated with a handle which includes at least a portion of an activation means for the implement, characterized in that the fluid conduit includes a valve, wherein the valve is operable by a container member attached to and/or extending from the container, adjacent the dispensing opening.