Multifunction machine for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and environments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multifunction vacuum cleaners lack the ability to generate both positive and negative ions, cannot suck in liquids, and have a single air passage path, which limits their purification and deodorization capabilities and safety.

Innovation Solution

A multifunction machine with separate primary and secondary circuits for suction and ion generation, allowing for the separation of ion emission and debris suction paths, enabling the machine to handle both solid and liquid debris while generating positive or negative ions safely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single air passage path is used for both suction and ion emission, then the device structure is simplified, but the purification and deodorization capabilities are limited and safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidpurification capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The air passage is divided into two separate paths: a first air passage for suction operations and a second air passage for ion generation and emission. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function, enabling the ion generator to operate safely without contact with liquids while the suction path handles debris and liquids separately, thereby improving both purification capability and device safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If ion generation and emission are combined with suction in the same circuit, then the device is more compact, but the ability to handle liquids is lost and safety is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidliquid handling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the ion generation system from the suction system into distinct air passages. The ion generator is positioned in the second air passage that does not contact liquids, while the first air passage handles suction of dry or liquid debris. This allows the device to safely handle liquids through the suction path while maintaining ion generation capability in the separate, dry path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fan acts as an intermediary that drives air flow in the second air passage independently from the suction operations. This intermediary mechanism allows ion generation to occur in a protected environment separate from liquid contact zones, enabling liquid handling capability without compromising ion generator safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If only one type of ion (positive or negative) is generated, then the ion generation system is simpler, but the deodorization and sanitizing effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion generation systemVSAvoiddeodorization effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ion generator is designed with multi-functionality to generate both positive and negative ions through a single device. This universal ion generation capability enhances deodorization and sanitizing effectiveness by utilizing the complementary properties of both ion types, while maintaining a relatively compact and integrated system design.

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 machine effectively cleans and sanitizes surfaces and environments by generating ions and sucking in liquids without safety hazards, eliminating the need for container bags and enhancing air purification and deodorization.

Implementation Method 1

a motor-unit that drives a fan, which is able to create the depression for the suction action

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

an ionizing device (22) which generates positive and also negative ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon generation: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

The air and debris are bubbled inside a tank loaded with a liquid, typically water, in order to release the sucked particles of debris into it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBubbling: Bubble

Implementation Method 4

a steam production unit which can be activated on command... The steam is used, together with the suction action, to dissolve the dirt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSteam generation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3934500B1Multifunction machine for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and environments
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 T P A IMPEX
  • EP3934500B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3934500B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The multifunction machine (1) for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and environments that has a body-machine (2) that includes: a waste suction device (3); a wet filtration and collection device (5) of sucked waste; a steam generating and steam expulsion device (10) towards said surfaces and environments; a primary circuit (Cl) for circulating sucked air and waste having a first inlet (6B) and a first outlet (13) obtained in the body-machine (2); a secondary circulation circuit (C2) for air which has a second inlet (20) and a second outlet (21) obtained in the body-machine (2) which also includes an ionizing device (22) placed on said secondary circuit (C2).