Pivoting Extractor Nozzle for Alternating Fluid Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wet extractors lack an efficient mechanism for alternating fluid delivery and recovery during surface cleaning, which affects the effectiveness of cleaning and debris removal.
Innovation Solution
The extractor features a foot assembly with wheels and agitators, a fluid delivery system, and a fluid recovery system with a pivotable nozzle extension that alternates between engaged and retracted positions during forward and rearward strokes, allowing for enhanced fluid distribution and recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the nozzle is kept in a fixed position, then the structure is simple, but the cleaning effectiveness is reduced because fluid delivery and recovery cannot be optimized for different stroke directions
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed to pivot between a retracted position and an engaged position, transforming from a static structure to a dynamic one. This allows the nozzle to adapt its configuration based on the cleaning stroke direction, optimizing fluid delivery during forward strokes and fluid recovery during rearward strokes, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle automatically alternates between retracted and engaged positions in periodic correspondence with the forward and rearward strokes of the cleaning head. This periodic action ensures that fluid delivery occurs during forward strokes when the nozzle is retracted, and fluid recovery occurs during rearward strokes when the nozzle is engaged, maximizing cleaning effectiveness without requiring complex external control mechanisms
2Productivity
If fluid delivery and recovery occur simultaneously, then the system is simple, but cleaning effectiveness is reduced because debris removal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system and recovery system operate in periodic alternation rather than simultaneously. During forward strokes, the nozzle is in the retracted position enabling fluid delivery while preventing debris ingestion. During rearward strokes, the nozzle pivots to the engaged position enabling fluid recovery and debris removal. This periodic separation of functions enhances debris removal efficiency without requiring complex valve mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural reciprocating motion of the cleaning head to automatically control the nozzle position and thereby control fluid delivery and recovery timing. The forward motion of the cleaning head automatically positions the nozzle for fluid delivery, while the rearward motion automatically positions it for fluid recovery, eliminating the need for external control systems and simplifying the overall fluid system
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
This design improves cleaning performance by ensuring effective fluid distribution during the forward stroke and efficient debris removal during the rearward stroke, enhancing the overall cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
a suction channel in fluid communication with the motor/fan assembly and configured to contact the surface to be cleaned
Data Source
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AI summary
An extractor comprises a foot assembly supported by at least one wheel at a rearward portion thereof and at least one rotatable agitator at a forward portion thereof, a fluid delivery system, a fluid recovery system and an extension with a first end aligned with an inlet for an extraction path and a second end in register with a surface to be cleaned. The foot assembly can be traversed over the surface to be cleaned in alternating forward and rearward movements. Movement of the foot assembly in a rearward direction supports the forward portion of the foot assembly on the extension in a first position and the at least one agitator and movement of the foot assembly in a forward direction shifts support of the forward portion of the foot assembly off of the extension in a second position.