Multi-Orientation Cleaner With Orientation-Based Fluid Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for hard surfaces are less than optimal, as they inefficiently spray cleaning fluids, leading to airborne chemicals reaching the user's breathing space, especially when cleaning at heights like windows and mirrors.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a power source, pump, and storage container that includes a valve assembly allowing fluid communication to change based on orientation, ensuring cleaning fluid flows through the correct pathway to prevent airborne spray, featuring a removable and refillable container with a vent to manage pressure and a spray nozzle configuration that captures fluid between the cleaning head and surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cleaning fluid is sprayed directly onto the surface, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but airborne chemicals reach the user's breathing space causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid redirector as an intermediary component between the spray nozzle and the surface being cleaned. This redirector captures the sprayed cleaning fluid and redirects it onto the surface, preventing airborne chemicals from reaching the user's breathing space while maintaining cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful spray dispersion from the direct cleaning path by using a fluid redirector to separate the cleaning fluid delivery from the user's breathing zone, effectively removing the harmful effect while preserving the cleaning function
2Adaptability or versatility
If the storage container is fixed in orientation, then the device structure is simplified, but the device cannot adapt to different cleaning orientations (floor, wall, ceiling)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic fluid flow system where the valve assembly automatically adjusts fluid pathways based on the device's orientation. The valve uses gravitational force and orientation detection to selectively open different fluid pathways, enabling the device to adapt to floor, wall, and ceiling cleaning without complex mechanical reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly automatically detects the device orientation and self-regulates the fluid flow pathways without user intervention. The system uses the device's own orientation and gravitational force to determine which fluid pathway to activate, eliminating the need for manual switching or complex control mechanisms
3Productivity
If the valve assembly selectively directs fluid based on orientation, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed to automatically detect device orientation and self-regulate fluid flow pathways without external control. The valve uses the device's orientation and gravitational force to automatically open the appropriate fluid pathway, eliminating the need for complex control systems while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical switching mechanisms with a simpler valve assembly that uses gravitational force and orientation-based fluid dynamics to automatically direct cleaning fluid through the appropriate pathway, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining 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 device effectively directs cleaning fluid onto the surface while preventing airborne spray, ensuring user safety and efficient cleaning across various orientations and surface types by adapting fluid flow based on device position, enhancing cleaning efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a pump in selective electrical communication with the power source... A valve assembly is disposed in the storage container and in fluid communication with the pump
Implementation Method 2
a vent member selectively flowing air into the interior environment in response to activation of the pump
Implementation Method 3
A cleaning element having a spray nozzle is in fluid communication with the pump... spray nozzle configuration that captures fluid between the cleaning head and surface
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device and method of cleaning are provided. The cleaning device includes a power source and a pump in selective electrical communication with the power source. A storage container is provided. A valve assembly is disposed in the storage container and in fluid communication with the pump, the valve assembly being configured to selectively flow cleaning fluid from a first portion and a second portion of the storage container. A cleaning element having a spray nozzle is in fluid communication with the pump.