Roller Cleaner Flow Regulator for Rotation-Activated Liquid Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaners with rotatable members for liquid distribution suffer from unreliable liquid dispensing due to varying surface tension and debris, leading to inconsistent cleaning results.
Innovation Solution
A cleaner with a flow regulator in the liquid path that activates with roller rotation, ensuring metered liquid distribution to the surface, using a flow regulator comprising a pump, valve, or actuator and rotation sensor to control liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed size outlet is used for liquid dispensing from the rotatable member, then the device structure is simple, but the liquid distribution becomes unreliable due to varying surface tension and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet arrangement is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The outlets are positioned on the rotatable member itself, allowing them to move with rotation. This dynamic positioning enables the outlets to engage with the surface during rotation, providing reliable liquid distribution that adapts to varying operating conditions such as surface tension changes and debris presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable member acts as an intermediary between the liquid container and the surface. By positioning outlets on the rotatable member rather than having a fixed dispensing system, the invention creates a flexible interface that can accommodate variations in liquid properties and surface conditions, improving reliability without requiring complex control systems.
2Reliability
If centrifugal force alone is used for liquid discharge, then the device structure is simple, but the liquid distribution amount varies affecting cleaning results
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic engagement between the rotatable member with outlets and the surface. During rotation, the outlets contact the surface to dispense liquid, while during non-rotation, liquid is contained. This dynamic operation provides consistent liquid distribution based on actual cleaning needs without requiring additional flow control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid dispensing occurs periodically during the rotation cycles of the rotatable member. The outlets engage with the surface during specific phases of rotation to dispense liquid, then disengage during other phases. This periodic action ensures consistent liquid distribution matched to the cleaning operation rhythm, eliminating the need for continuous complex flow control.
3Reliability
If a porous membrane or fiber plug is used to control fluid emergence, then the device structure is simple, but the dimensioning is critical and operational reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using porous membranes or fiber plugs with critical dimensioning requirements, the invention uses discrete outlets positioned on a rotatable member. The outlets have defined openings that provide reliable liquid flow without requiring precise dimensional control of porous structures. The dynamic rotation provides the necessary flow control, eliminating the reliability issues associated with membrane dimensioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the flow control function from the outlet structure itself and transfers it to the rotational motion of the member. Rather than relying on the porous structure's dimensions to control flow, the system uses the presence or absence of rotational engagement to control liquid emergence, simplifying the outlet structure while improving reliability.
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
Ensures reliable and consistent liquid distribution during cleaning, preventing undesired dispensing and enhancing cleaning effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the flow regulator comprises a pump configured to transfer the liquid from the container to the outlet arrangement
Implementation Method 2
a flow regulator comprising a pump, valve, or actuator and rotation sensor to control liquid flow
Implementation Method 3
the flow regulator comprises a valve configured to open a passage through the flow regulator in response to a rotation of the roller
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 3d~4b
AI summary
The disclosure concerns a cleaner (2) comprising a housing (4) configured to be moved over a surface (6) to be cleaned and a roller (8) partially arranged in the housing (4). The roller (8) is configured to rotate about a rotational axis (10) and to engage with the surface (6) to be cleaned. The roller (8) comprises a container (12) for liquid, an outlet arrangement (14) for dispensing of liquid to the surface (6) to be cleaned, and a flow path (16) for liquid extending from the container (12) for liquid to the outlet arrangement (14). The cleaner (2) comprises a flow regulator (18) arranged in the flow path (16). The flow regulator (18) is configured to be activated by a rotation (22) of the roller (8) such that liquid is transferred via the flow regulator (18) from the container (12) for liquid to the outlet arrangement (14).