Mist Generating Cleaning Implement for Dust and Odor Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum cleaners and dusting tools generate airborne particulates and malodors during operation, posing health risks and unpleasant experiences for users, especially those with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.
Innovation Solution
A modular mist generating system that can be integrated with vacuum cleaners, dust mops, and hand tools to produce a finely atomized liquid mist that suppresses dust and allergens, neutralizes odors, and applies treatments to surfaces, using a piezoelectric atomizing chamber and optional fan to direct the mist effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotatably-driven agitator is used to agitate debris on the surface, then debris is released from the surface and more easily ingested, but dust and debris trapped on carpet fibers are disturbed and float upwardly to pollute the ambient air
Solution Approach 1:
The mist generating system activates before the agitator disturbs the carpet fibers, pre-moistening the surface and trapping dust particles before they can become airborne. This preliminary action prevents the harmful effect while maintaining the cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
A fine mist of liquid serves as an intermediary between the agitator and the carpet fibers. The mist particles coat the fibers and trapped dust, creating a barrier that prevents dust from becoming airborne while allowing the agitator to effectively loosen debris for ingestion.
2Productivity
If the working airflow is increased to improve debris ingestion, then more debris can be captured, but malodors are released and the working airflow itself releases malodors as it flows through the system
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid mist acts as an intermediary that absorbs and neutralizes malodors. As the mist evaporates and mixes with the working airflow, it traps odor molecules, preventing them from being released into the ambient atmosphere while maintaining effective debris capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the chemical composition of the working airflow by introducing liquid mist particles. This parameter change allows the airflow to maintain its high velocity and debris capture capability while simultaneously gaining odor-neutralizing properties through the liquid's interaction with malodorous compounds.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If liquid is applied to suppress dust and apply treatments, then airborne particulates are reduced and surfaces are treated, but moisture can damage the motor and suction source
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid mist is applied in a highly controlled, localized manner only where needed for dust suppression and surface treatment. The fine atomization ensures liquid is deposited precisely on the surface and airborne particles rather than being drawn into the motor compartment, protecting the motor while achieving the desired dust suppression effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid is atomized into fine mist particles that rapidly evaporate in the warm airflow before reaching the motor. This phase transition from liquid to vapor occurs in controlled zones away from the motor, allowing the mist to effectively suppress dust and treat surfaces while the resulting vapor does not cause moisture damage to electrical components.
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 significantly reduces airborne particulates and odors, improving user safety and experience by agglomerating dust and applying treatments without over-wetting surfaces, while the motor protection system prevents moisture damage to the vacuum cleaner's motor.
Implementation Method 1
using a piezoelectric atomizing chamber
Implementation Method 2
agglomerating dust
Data Source
AI summary
A mist generating system for a cleaning implement is adapted to generate a finely atomized liquid mist for suppressing dust, allergens, and other airborne particulates. The mist generating system can be adapted to fit many cleaning implements such as vacuum cleaners, wet extraction cleaners, floor mops, and dusters to suppress airborne dust and particulates generated during operation and the cleaning process.