Ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial and industrial cleaning machines lack efficient modular designs for rapid component replacement and portability, limiting maintenance and operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional cleaning machine with a fresh liquid tank, vacuum tank, and electromechanical assembly that are modular and easily separable, allowing for tool-free disconnection and replacement of components, including a HEPA filtration system for air purification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning machines use integrated non-modular designs, then structural stability is improved, but maintenance time and operational downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning machine is divided into separate modular components including the electromechanical assembly, vacuum tank, and fresh liquid tank. Each module can be independently removed and replaced, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly swap out defective components without disassembling the entire machine, thus reducing maintenance time while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine transitions from a static integrated structure to a dynamic modular configuration where components can be easily assembled and disassembled. The electromechanical assembly is designed with quick-connect interfaces that allow it to be releasably connected to the fresh liquid tank, enabling rapid reconfiguration and replacement of modules based on operational needs and maintenance requirements.
2Productivity
If cleaning machines use modular designs with separable components, then maintenance speed and operational flexibility improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular electromechanical assembly is designed as a universal module that can be used across different cleaning machine configurations. The standardized interface allows the same electromechanical assembly to be releasably connected to different tank configurations, reducing the variety of unique parts needed and simplifying the overall system despite the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components including the pump, vacuum motor, and control panel assembly are merged into a single integrated electromechanical assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate connection points and interfaces needed, simplifying the modular architecture while maintaining rapid replaceability of the entire functional unit.
3Stability of the object's composition
If heavy electromechanical components are permanently mounted, then machine stability is improved, but portability and ease of transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy electromechanical assembly is segmented from the overall machine structure through releasable connections. This allows the machine to be configured as a complete stable unit during operation, and then easily separated into transportable modules when mobility is required, resolving the contradiction between operational stability and transport portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the electromechanical assembly and fresh liquid tank transitions from permanent to dynamic/releasable. During operation, the modules are firmly connected for stability; during transport, they can be quickly disconnected, allowing the heavy electromechanical components to be moved independently or reconfigured, thus achieving both stability and portability at different operational phases.
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
Facilitates rapid maintenance, enhances portability, and improves operational efficiency by enabling easy swapping of components without tools, ensuring continuous operation and improved air filtration.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum motor operable to vacuum a soil-containing liquid into the vacuum tank through the suction inlet
Implementation Method 2
a HEPA filtration assembly constructed and arranged to receive a HEPA filter. In this fashion, air drawn into the vacuum tank through the suction inlet may undergo high efficiency filtration before exiting the cleaning machine
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a cleaning machine that includes a fresh liquid tank, a vacuum tank, and an electromechanical assembly—with the electromechanical assembly including an electromechanical housing, a pump, and a vacuum motor. In this particular aspect of the invention, the pump and the vacuum motor are mounted to the electromechanical housing; and the electromechanical assembly is releasably connected to the fresh liquid tank. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method for rapid replacement of the electromechanical components of the cleaning machine described immediately above. The method includes disconnecting the electromechanical assembly from the fresh liquid tank, and connecting a replacement electromechanical assembly to the fresh liquid tank. The replacement electromechanical assembly includes a replacement electromechanical housing, a replacement pump, and a replacement vacuum motor, with the replacement pump and replacement vacuum motor being mounted to the replacement electromechanical housing. In a further aspect, the invention is directed to a cleaning machine that includes a vacuum tank comprising a suction inlet, a vacuum motor operable to vacuum a soil-containing liquid into the vacuum tank through the suction inlet, and a HEPA filtration assembly constructed and arranged to receive a HEPA filter. In this fashion, air drawn into the vacuum tank through the suction inlet may undergo high efficiency filtration before exiting the cleaning machine.