Plenum Airflow Cleaning Head for Faster Surface Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional extraction cleaning machines leave surfaces wet for an extended period, causing interruptions in activities due to prolonged drying times, as they do not effectively utilize air flow for drying.
Innovation Solution
A portable cleaning apparatus with a base module and blower assembly that directs high airflow perpendicular to the cleaning path, using a plenum and outlet openings to accelerate moisture removal from surfaces, allowing for faster drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional extraction cleaning machines are used to remove dirt from surfaces, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but drying time increases significantly causing interruptions in activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the extraction cleaning function with a drying function in a single integrated apparatus. The cleaning head includes both extraction components for removing dirt and a drying component with air outlets for evaporating moisture, allowing simultaneous or sequential operation of cleaning and drying functions without requiring separate equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning head is designed to perform multiple functions: extraction cleaning to remove dirt and suspended particles, and drying to evaporate moisture from the surface. The same apparatus can switch between or combine these functions, making it a multi-functional device that addresses both cleaning effectiveness and drying time requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If cleaning solution is applied to dissolve and remove dirt from surfaces, then cleaning quality is improved, but surface remains wet requiring extended drying time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by allowing the drying function to begin immediately after or during the extraction cleaning process. The air flow paths are designed to direct drying air onto the cleaned surface without interruption, maintaining continuous useful action from cleaning through drying without requiring the surface to remain wet for extended periods
3Productivity
If high airflow is directed perpendicular to cleaning path using plenum and outlet openings, then drying speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drying system is segmented into distinct functional components: a plenum chamber for air distribution, multiple air outlets positioned at specific locations, and air flow paths that direct drying air perpendicular to the cleaning path. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high drying speed
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 solution significantly reduces drying time by using high airflow to facilitate forced convection, enabling surfaces to be used sooner and minimizing interruptions in activities.
Implementation Method 1
A portable cleaning apparatus with a base module and blower assembly that directs high airflow perpendicular to the cleaning path
Implementation Method 2
using high airflow to facilitate forced convection, enabling surfaces to be used sooner
Data Source
AI summary
A portable cleaning apparatus includes a base module having a base housing with a bottom base wall, and enclosing a fan. The base module is moveable along an external surface in a first direction. The fan can move air through the base housing from an interior of the base housing to exteriorly of the base housing through an exhaust outlet in the base housing. A plenum fluidly communicates at a first end with the exhaust outlet and at a second end with at least one plenum outlet opening. The at least one plenum outlet opening is between the base wall and the external surface. The at least one plenum outlet opening can direct air exhausted from the interior of the base housing along the external surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.