Roller-Supported Squeegee Assembly for Easy Blade Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional squeegee assemblies for cleaning machines are cumbersome to maintain due to the difficulty in replacing worn-out squeegee blades, as they require perpendicular connectors, which complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
A squeegee assembly with a frame and rollers that define a plane for supporting the squeegee blades, allowing for adjustable orientation and easy blade replacement, featuring a W-shaped squeegee blade design with suction ports positioned at the rearward apexes to enhance liquid removal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If conventional squeegee assemblies use perpendicular connectors to attach blades, then the blade attachment is secure, but the blade replacement process becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The squeegee assembly is divided into modular components: the frame, the blade, and the connector. The connector is designed as a separate piece that attaches to the frame and receives the blade, allowing the blade to be easily detached and replaced without affecting other parts of the assembly. This segmentation enables quick maintenance while keeping the overall structure simple.
2Productivity
If straight squeegee assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but suction must perform most of the work to draw liquid from outer extents
Solution Approach 1:
The squeegee blade is designed with a curved surface that follows the contour of the floor. This curvature allows the blade to maintain consistent contact with the floor across its entire width, directing liquid toward the center and suction ports more effectively than a straight blade, thereby reducing the energy required by the suction system.
3Productivity
If V-shaped or arched squeegee assemblies are used, then liquid removal from floor is improved by driving fluid toward center, but the blade orientation and contact with floor becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The connector includes adjustable elements that allow the blade to be positioned at different angles and heights relative to the frame. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the blade to be optimized for specific floor conditions and cleaning requirements, maintaining both effective liquid removal and ease of operation.
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 simplifies the replacement process of squeegee blades and improves liquid removal efficiency by ensuring proper blade orientation and contact with the floor, reducing the need for extensive suction effort and extending the lifespan of the blades.
Implementation Method 1
The rollers are adapted to roll along a floor being traversed by the squeegee assembly
Implementation Method 2
The rollers are positioned on the frame to define a plane and support the frame relative to the floor
Implementation Method 3
The squeegee blades that engage the floor surface in a wiping action to assist in picking up liquid on the floor
Implementation Method 4
Each of the first and second suction ports are positioned adjacent one of the rearwardly directed apexes
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a squeegee assembly (30) and a method of orienting a squeegee blade relative to a floor. The squeegee assembly is adapted for use with a floor cleaning machine, and comprises: a frame (32); a squeegee coupled to the frame; and a set of rollers (40) coupled to the frame, the rollers adapted to roll along a floor being traversed by the squeegee assembly, the rollers positioned on the frame to define a plane and support the frame relative to the floor in a predefined orientation.