Water Cleaning Device With Movable Air-Hole Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cleaners require manual user intervention to discharge water, leading to inefficient water usage and frequent refilling, as well as potential unnecessary water discharge during non-cleaning processes.

Innovation Solution

A cleaner equipped with a water cleaning device that includes a movable member to control air flow into a water tank, allowing automatic water discharge during cleaning and reducing water usage by maintaining air flow only during cleaning operations, using an elastic member to maintain the movable member in a position that opens or closes the air hole based on external forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual user intervention is used to discharge water, then water discharge can be controlled, but water usage efficiency is poor and refilling frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual water discharge controlVSAvoidwater usage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic water discharge control through the control device that responds to cleaning process detection, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The cleaner automatically manages water supply and discharge based on operational status, improving productivity while maintaining appropriate water control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of water discharge is replaced with an automated control system that detects cleaning processes and triggers appropriate water discharge actions, transitioning from manual mechanical control to automated system control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual water discharge is used, then water can be discharged when needed, but unnecessary water discharge occurs during non-cleaning processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater discharge timing controlVSAvoidunnecessary water usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The control device implements feedback by detecting whether the cleaner is in a cleaning process or not, and automatically adjusts water discharge accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary water discharge during non-cleaning periods while ensuring water is discharged when cleaning is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts water discharge behavior based on real-time detection of cleaning process status, transitioning between different operational states (cleaning vs. non-cleaning) and modifying water management accordingly to avoid waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If continuous water supply is provided to the cleaning cloth, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but water consumption increases requiring frequent refilling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous water supply to clothVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous water supply, the system uses periodic water discharge triggered by detection of cleaning process events. Water is supplied to the cloth at specific intervals or trigger points during cleaning operations, maintaining cleaning effectiveness while reducing overall water consumption and refilling frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Productivity

If a control device is added to automate water discharge, then water usage efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated water discharge controlVSAvoidwater cleaning device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs multiple functions: detecting cleaning process status, determining water discharge timing, and controlling water flow. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system achieves automated water management without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 continuous water supply to the cleaning cloth during cleaning, reduces unnecessary water usage, and allows for less frequent refilling, enhancing user experience by automating water discharge based on user settings.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member that is respectively coupled to the cap and the movable member and that is configured to maintain the movable member in a position that closes the air hole using an elastic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10582826B2Water cleaning device and cleaner having the same

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A cleaner includes a nozzle assembly, a cleaner body coupled to the nozzle assembly, and a water cleaning device coupled to the nozzle assembly. The water cleaning device includes a water tank that is configured to hold a cloth and that defines a water storage area and an air hole, and a control device that is configured to open or close the air hole and that includes a movable member located outside of the water storage area and configured to move between a first position and a second position to open or close the air hole.