Multi-functional cleaning and floor care system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional floor cleaning methods are inefficient, potentially hazardous, and fail to effectively remove soils and biopollutants from floors, especially grouted areas, leading to unsightly and health-risk conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional cleaning and floor care system comprising a liquid reservoir, a vacuum recovery tank, a wheeled chassis, a spigot for fluid flow control, a liquid spreader assembly, and a squeegee head assembly that allows for simultaneous application and removal of cleaning solutions, utilizing a modular design for easy mode switching and obstacle protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional mopping is used to clean floors, then the cleaning process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the cleaning effectiveness is poor and floors become slippery and wet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid application function and vacuum recovery function into a single integrated floor care system. The liquid dispenser applies cleaning solution while the vacuum recovery tank simultaneously or subsequently removes the liquid along with soils and biopollutants, eliminating the harmful effect of leaving floors wet and slippery while maintaining effective cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs multiple functions: it applies cleaning liquid, removes soils and biopollutants, and dries floors all in one operation. The vacuum recovery tank serves both to collect used cleaning liquid and to remove contaminants, making the system versatile and highly effective at addressing multiple cleaning requirements simultaneously.
2Productivity
If traditional mopping is used, then equipment is simple, but soils and biopollutants are spread around rather than removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges liquid application with immediate vacuum recovery in one integrated unit. As the liquid dispenser applies cleaning solution to loosen and dissolve soils and biopollutants, the vacuum recovery tank simultaneously or subsequently removes the liquid along with the contaminants, preventing the spreading effect characteristic of traditional mopping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mopping action (which spreads contaminants) with a vacuum recovery system that uses suction to remove contaminants. The vacuum motor assembly creates negative pressure to draw in and remove soils and biopollutants along with the cleaning liquid, substituting the spreading mechanism with a removal mechanism.
3Productivity
If manual wiping by hand is used, then detailed cleaning can be achieved, but worker safety is compromised due to crawling on hands and knees
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the cleaning functions into distinct modular components: a liquid dispenser for applying cleaning solution, a vacuum recovery tank for removing contaminants, and a wheeled chassis for mobility. This segmentation allows the system to perform detailed cleaning effectively while the operator remains in an upright, safe position rather than crawling on the floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the detailed cleaning work autonomously through its integrated liquid application and vacuum recovery mechanisms. The operator simply guides the system along the floor, and the system itself handles the detailed cleaning of soils and biopollutants without requiring the operator to manually crawl and wipe surfaces, thereby eliminating safety risks.
4Productivity
If grouted floors are mopped, then the floor surface is cleaned, but grout lines become stained and darkened due to trapped soils and soap scum
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines liquid application with immediate vacuum recovery, allowing cleaning solution to penetrate and loosen soils and soap scum from grout lines while the vacuum simultaneously or subsequently removes the liquid along with the contaminants. This prevents the trapping of staining materials in the porous grout that occurs with traditional mopping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mopping action that pushes soils into grout lines with a vacuum recovery system that uses suction to extract soils and soap scum from grout lines along with the cleaning liquid. This substitution prevents the squeegee effect that forces contaminants into the porous grout structure.
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 efficiently applies and vacuums cleaning solutions, effectively removing soils and biopollutants from floors, including grouted areas, while ensuring user safety and reducing manual labor, thereby maintaining floor cleanliness and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a squeegee head assembly fluidly connectable to the vacuum recovery tank. The liquid spreader assembly may be operable to spread on a floor surface at least a portion of the fresh cleaning liquid from the reservoir, and the squeegee head assembly may be operable to vacuum at least a portion of the liquid on the floor surface into the vacuum recovery tank.
Implementation Method 2
a spigot fluidly connected to the reservoir interior space, with the spigot adjustable between a fully open position and a fully closed position, whereby when the reservoir contains a fresh cleaning liquid, a user may regulate the flow of the fresh cleaning liquid from the reservoir through the spigot by adjusting the spigot.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional cleaning and floor care system may have: a fresh liquid reservoir; a vacuum assembly including a vacuum recovery tank and a vacuum motor assembly; a wheeled chassis configured to support at least one of the fresh liquid reservoir and the vacuum recovery tank; and a spigot fluidly connected to the fresh liquid reservoir, with the spigot adjustable between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The system also may have: a liquid spreader assembly connected to at least one of the fresh liquid reservoir, the vacuum assembly, and the wheeled chassis, with the liquid spreader assembly including a frame and a spreader pad; and a squeegee head assembly connected to at least one of the fresh liquid reservoir, the vacuum assembly, and the wheeled chassis, with the squeegee head assembly fluidly connectable to the vacuum recovery tank.