Removable Nozzle Plate Assembly for Maintainable Floor Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered floor cleaning tools lack significant advancements in maintainability and longevity, despite user and servicer demands for improved compactness, user adaptability, ease of use, and serviceability.
Innovation Solution
A floor cleaning tool design featuring a housing with a reservoir for cleaning solution, a resiliently deformable nozzle plate with apertures, and a conduit for fluid communication, allowing for easy removal and replacement of the nozzle plate for cleaning and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nozzle plate is made fixed and integrated into the housing, then the structural integrity and sealing are improved, but the maintainability and ease of cleaning are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle plate is separated from the housing as a distinct, removable component. This segmentation allows the nozzle plate to be easily detached for cleaning or replacement while maintaining a secure connection during operation, thus resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and ease of maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle plate connection transitions from a fixed state during operation to a removable state during maintenance. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt between operational reliability and maintenance accessibility, enabling the nozzle plate to be securely attached when needed and easily removed for cleaning.
2Ease of repair
If the nozzle plate is made removable for easy cleaning, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the risk of improper installation and leakage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle plate design incorporates self-aligning features and intuitive installation mechanisms that guide the user into proper installation without requiring specialized knowledge or tools. This self-service approach ensures reliable sealing while maintaining ease of cleaning and replacement.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the floor cleaning tool is designed with multiple fixed components for durability, then the lifespan is improved, but the adaptability and ease of replacement are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The floor cleaning tool is divided into modular segments including the removable nozzle plate, brush assembly, and reservoir. This segmentation enables individual components to be replaced or upgraded without affecting the entire tool, thus extending the overall lifespan through selective maintenance while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows worn or damaged components like the nozzle plate to be easily discarded and replaced with new or refurbished parts. This approach extends the overall tool lifespan by enabling recovery and replacement of individual components rather than discarding the entire device.
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 design enhances maintainability and prolongs the tool's lifespan by facilitating easy cleaning and replacement of key components, improving user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently deformable nozzle plate coupled to the housing and defining a plurality of apertures; the resiliently deformable plate removable from the conduit and the housing for cleaning and replacement
Data Source
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AI summary
A floor cleaning tool comprising a housing, a reservoir coupled to the housing and shaped to contain a cleaning solution and a nozzle plate that is resiliently deformable and coupled to the housing, the nozzle plate defining a plurality of apertures and in fluid communication with the reservoir to receive the cleaning solution and to dispense the cleaning solution through the apertures, wherein the nozzle plate is removable from the housing for cleaning and replacement.