Separator configuration for a floor cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extractor cleaning machines are inefficient in separating air from cleaning liquids, leading to suboptimal cleaning performance and fluid recovery.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a recovery tank with an air-liquid separator featuring a vertical rib that directs fluid flows into separate paths within the tank, allowing for effective separation of air and liquid, with a dirty fluid inlet and dual outlets to manage fluid distribution and air release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple recovery tank design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the separation efficiency of air from cleaning liquid deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery tank is segmented into distinct functional zones: a separation chamber for air-liquid separation, a storage chamber for collected liquid, and a discharge mechanism. The separator divides the tank interior to create separate flow paths for air and liquid, enabling efficient separation while maintaining a relatively simple overall tank structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A separator component is introduced as an intermediary element within the recovery tank. This separator acts as a mediator between the incoming air-liquid mixture and the storage chamber, directing liquid into the storage chamber while allowing air to escape through designated openings, thereby improving separation efficiency without complicating the basic tank design.
2Device complexity
If fluid flow paths are not separated, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fluid recovery effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow paths are segmented into distinct channels: a first opening for air discharge, a second opening for liquid discharge, and a third opening for fluid intake. The separator creates separate flow paths that guide air and liquid to different discharge points, ensuring effective fluid recovery while avoiding complex multi-component systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator utilizes vertical dimensionality by extending from the bottom wall upward into the tank, creating horizontal flow path separation. This dimensional approach allows air to rise and discharge through upper openings while liquid flows downward to the storage chamber and discharges through lower openings, improving recovery effectiveness without increasing horizontal complexity.
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
This configuration enhances the separation efficiency, ensuring cleaner air release and effective fluid recovery, improving the overall cleaning performance and operational efficiency of the extractor cleaning machine.
Implementation Method 1
an air-liquid separator having a separation chamber with a vertical wall, a lower wall, and a sidewall
Implementation Method 2
The vertical sidewall includes a vertical rib extending outwardly from the vertical sidewall and into the separation chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning machine has a housing, a supply tank, a suction nozzle, a suction source, and a recovery tank that includes a container having sidewalls projecting upwardly from a bottom wall thereby defining an open top, a cover connected to the open top of the container, and an air-liquid separator extending into the recovery tank from the open top and having a vertical sidewall, a lower wall extending laterally from a lower end of the vertical sidewall toward an adjacent sidewall of the sidewalls of the container. The vertical sidewall, the lower wall, and the adjacent sidewall define a separation chamber, the vertical sidewall includes a vertical rib extending outwardly from the vertical sidewall and into the separation chamber. The separation chamber includes a dirty fluid inlet receiving fluid from the suction nozzle through the cover, and a dirty fluid outlet directing fluid from the separation chamber into the container.