Surface cleaning apparatus with steam delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface cleaning devices, such as extractors, lack effective steam delivery capabilities for deep cleaning of small areas like carpets and upholstery, limiting their cleaning efficiency and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A portable surface cleaning apparatus with steam delivery, featuring a hand-carried body equipped with a supply tank, recovery tank, liquid and steam pumps, a heater, and a suction source, along with a flexible hose assembly and hand-held cleaning tool, allowing for selective steam dispensing for improved spot and stain cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional extractors are used for surface cleaning, then liquid delivery and recovery capabilities are provided, but steam delivery capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning functions (liquid extraction, steam delivery, heating) into a single integrated handheld body. The heater and steam generator are incorporated within the same housing as the liquid supply and recovery systems, allowing the device to perform both wet extraction and steam cleaning without requiring separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning apparatus is designed to perform multiple cleaning functions through a single device. It can deliver liquid cleaning solution through a liquid distributor, generate and deliver steam through a steam distributor and heater, and recover contaminated liquid through the suction source. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate extractors and steam cleaners.
2Productivity
If a portable extraction cleaner is equipped with steam delivery components, then cleaning effectiveness on small areas is improved, but device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heater and steam generator components are nested within the existing handheld body housing, utilizing the internal space efficiently. The heating element is positioned within the fluid path between the supply tank and the dispensing mechanism, allowing compact integration without significantly increasing the external dimensions or weight of the portable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible hoses and compact fluid delivery mechanisms that can be routed through the handheld body without requiring rigid, bulky components. The flexible hose assembly allows for compact packaging of the steam delivery system while maintaining portability and ease of handling.
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 apparatus enables better cleaning experiences by providing controlled steam delivery, enhancing cleaning efficiency and effectiveness on small areas such as carpets, upholstery, and other fabric surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a heater in fluid communication with the steam supply pump
Implementation Method 2
a source of suction in fluid communication with the conduit to draw the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and the conduit to the recovery tank
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes steam delivery. The apparatus includes a hand-carried body adapted to be hand-carried by a user, the hand-carried body including a supply tank, a recovery tank, a liquid supply pump, a steam supply pump, a heater, and a suction source including a vacuum motor. A flexible hose is mounted to the hand-carried body and a hand-held cleaning tool mounted to an end of the hose.