Movable Disc Scrub Head for Easier Brush Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrally positioned scrub brushes in larger floor cleaners are difficult to inspect and replace due to limited accessibility, requiring operators to raise the cleaner or crawl underneath, making the process cumbersome and visually challenging.
Innovation Solution
A scrub head design with a movable disc scrub member that can rotate about vertical axes and move orthogonally in a horizontal plane, allowing it to be easily accessed and repositioned from a central location to a side location for easier inspection and replacement, facilitated by a pivotal connection and latch mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If scrub brushes are centrally positioned beneath the cleaner, then cleaning coverage is improved, but accessibility for inspection and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scrub brush assembly is made movable relative to the cleaner frame through a mechanical linkage system. The assembly can be positioned in a retracted position during cleaning operations to maximize coverage area, and extended to a accessible position for inspection and replacement. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between optimal cleaning configuration and optimal maintenance configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The scrub brush assembly is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently positioned relative to the cleaner frame. This segmentation allows the brush assembly to be moved along a track or rail system, enabling it to be repositioned from a central cleaning position to a side accessibility position without affecting the overall cleaner structure or other components.
2Productivity
If scrub brushes are centrally positioned, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical linkage system with movable support and latch mechanism enables the scrub brush assembly to be dynamically repositioned. The latch mechanism provides simple, tool-free locking and unlocking capabilities, reducing maintenance complexity despite the added mobility feature. Operators can easily access the brushes by actuating the latch and moving the assembly to a convenient position.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical linkage system acts as an intermediary between the cleaner frame and the scrub brush assembly. This linkage provides the necessary movement capability while maintaining simple, reliable connections through standardized mechanical interfaces. The system includes guide rails or tracks that constrain movement to predetermined paths, simplifying the overall mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A scrub head includes a first disc scrub member, a movable support having first and second positions, and a movable disc scrub member. The first disc scrub member is rotatable about a first vertical axis. The movable disc scrub member is rotatable about a second vertical axis and is connected to the movable support. The movable disc scrub member is configured to move relative to the first disc scrub member along first and second orthogonal axes of a horizontal plane, which is transverse to the first and second vertical axes, between first and second positions respectively corresponding to the first and second positions of the movable support.