Self-cleaning system and method for extraction cleaners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extraction cleaners, particularly upright and robotic models, often become dirty and difficult to maintain, with users facing challenges in cleaning the brush chamber and suction nozzle, leading to reduced usage due to the time-consuming nature of manual cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning method and system involving a cleaning tray or docking station that seals the suction nozzle and agitator, allowing for automated distribution and suction of cleaning fluid to scrape debris and flush the system, utilizing the existing fluid supply and recovery mechanisms to maintain the cleaner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning of brush chamber and suction nozzle is used, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but user time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-cleaning by utilizing the extraction cleaner's own fluid supply and recovery systems to automatically clean the brush chamber and suction nozzle, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tray is pre-configured with sealing surfaces and fluid distribution pathways that automatically engage when the cleaner is placed in the tray, preparing the cleaning environment before the cleaning cycle begins
2Productivity
If the cleaner is used frequently, then cleaning performance is maintained, but contamination of critical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful effect of frequent use and contamination into a benefit by automatically cleaning the contaminated components through the self-cleaning cycle, allowing frequent usage without accumulating dirt
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tray maintains continuous cleaning capability by keeping the cleaning fluid supply active and the sealing engagement persistent throughout the usage period, ensuring components remain clean with each use
3Reliability
If manual cleaning procedures are implemented, then debris is removed, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction cleaner performs its own maintenance by utilizing its built-in fluid supply and recovery systems to automatically clean its components, eliminating the need for external manual intervention and maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid supply and recovery systems serve dual functions: performing the primary cleaning function on surfaces and simultaneously performing maintenance cleaning on the cleaner's own components, maximizing system utility
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 self-cleaning system significantly reduces user effort and time, enabling more frequent use of extraction cleaners by automatically maintaining the cleanliness of critical components, such as brush chambers and suction nozzles, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a source of suction in fluid communication with the working air conduit to draw the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and the working air conduit to the recovery container
Implementation Method 2
An agitator can be provided for agitating the cleaning fluid on the surface
Implementation Method 3
a cleaning tray having a recessed portion configured to sealingly receive a suction nozzle and an agitator of the extraction cleaner
Implementation Method 4
rotating the agitator such that engagement with the insert scrapes debris from the agitator
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for self-cleaning extraction cleaners, including upright or robot extraction cleaner are provided. In one system, a tray can be provided for docking the extraction cleaner during the self-cleaning mode. The tray may include one or more sprayers for spraying a cleaning fluid toward an agitator of the extraction cleaner. In another system, a nozzle flushing manifold mounted on the nozzle assembly of the extraction cleaner includes a plurality of distributor outlets configured to spray cleaning fluid into the suction pathway.