Radiator Cleaning Device with Vacuum Suction and Foam Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Convection heaters mounted stationary on walls are difficult to clean effectively without distributing persistent dust and mites, which can exacerbate house dust allergies, and existing cleaning methods often stir up dust, causing contamination.

Innovation Solution

A device with an upper and lower frame that applies cleaning foam to the radiator body, collecting it with the lower frame and vacuuming it without dismantling the convector, using a mixture of water and alkaline foam cleaner or potassium hydroxide, and a suction unit integrated into a subframe to prevent dust spread.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional cleaning methods are used on stationary radiators, then cleaning is performed, but dust and mites are stirred up and distributed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddust distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a vacuum system with suction nozzles positioned at the bottom of the radiator to create negative pressure that captures dust and cleaning solution as it falls, preventing dust from being stirred up and distributed into the environment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies cleaning solution to the radiator fins before vacuuming begins, allowing the dust to be loosened and settled onto the cleaning solution coating, which then falls directly into the vacuum collection system without becoming airborne

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If radiators are dismantled for cleaning, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning thoroughnessVSAvoiddisassembly requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes a cleaning device that can be applied to various radiator types and configurations without requiring disassembly, making the cleaning process universally applicable to stationary radiators while maintaining thoroughness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the cleaning and vacuuming functions into a separate portable device that can be applied to the radiator in situ, eliminating the need to dismantle the radiator for cleaning access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If large amounts of water are used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but water consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidwater consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a vacuum system to create negative pressure that draws cleaning solution through the radiator fins and captures it along with the loosened dust, allowing effective cleaning with minimal water that is then recovered and can be reused

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent recovers the cleaning solution and captured dust through the vacuum system, collecting it in a reservoir where the liquid can be filtered and reused for subsequent cleaning operations, reducing overall water consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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

Enables effective, water-saving, and dust-free cleaning of convection heaters, reducing allergic reactions by capturing dust and mites without stirring up particles, allowing for efficient cleaning of stationary radiators without disassembly.

Implementation Method 1

The suction system allows for cleaning and the conveyance of the cleaning foam through the convector from the upper frame to the lower frame into the extraction unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

cleaning foam is applied to the radiator via the upper frame, which can be collected by the lower frame and vacuumed away from there. This enables foam cleaning of convectors without dismantling the convector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3875880B1Device for cleaning a heating body and method therefor
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 CONVECLEAN GMBH
  • EP3875880B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3875880B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3875880B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (10) for cleaning a radiator, comprising at least one upper frame (12, 12'), at least one lower frame (14), and at least one suction unit (16). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning a radiator comprising at least the following steps: - A device (10) as described is used; - Cleaning fluid is poured in via the upper frame (12, 12'); - The cleaning fluid is collected via the lower frame (14); - The cleaning fluid is extracted via the suction unit (16).