Single-Tank Cleaning Solution Recycling With Bypass Priming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning devices do not effectively reuse and recycle cleaning solution, requiring frequent refilling and maintenance, as the dirty solution is typically drained and not efficiently filtered or sanitized for reuse.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a solution tank, discharge line filters, a pump, and a bypass line that allows for priming mode operation, where the cleaning solution is circulated and filtered before being used for cleaning, enabling efficient recycling and reuse of the cleaning solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a two-tank recycling system is used to filter and reuse cleaning solution, then runtime between refills is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clean solution tank and dirty solution recovery tank into a single integrated tank system. The tank serves dual purposes: storing clean cleaning solution and collecting recovered dirty solution. This merging eliminates the need for separate tanks while maintaining the recycling functionality, thereby reducing device complexity while extending runtime between refills.
Solution Approach 2:
The single tank is designed to perform multiple functions: it stores clean cleaning solution, collects dirty recovered solution, and facilitates the recycling process. The tank structure incorporates both the solution storage function and the recovery function within one component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining extended operational runtime.
2Reliability
If cleaning solution is circulated through filters and pump, then cleaning solution is sanitized for reuse, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device implements a self-service recycling system where the pump automatically circulates cleaning solution from the tank through discharge line filters and back to the tank. This automated circulation and filtration process sanitizes the cleaning solution for reuse without requiring manual intervention, ensuring reliable sanitation while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through self-contained operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump maintains continuous circulation of cleaning solution through the filters and back to the tank, ensuring ongoing sanitation and reuse capability. This continuous operation ensures the cleaning solution is consistently sanitized and ready for reuse, improving reliability while the integrated single-tank design keeps the overall system complexity manageable.
3Productivity
If bypass line is used for priming mode, then consistent flow rates are ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass line provides a dynamic flow path that allows the system to switch between priming mode and normal cleaning mode. During priming, the bypass line ensures consistent flow rates to establish proper pump operation. This dynamic flow management improves cleaning efficiency while the bypass integration keeps the overall device structure relatively simple through versatile flow path design.
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 allows for extended runtime between refills by filtering and sanitizing the cleaning solution, reducing maintenance needs and improving cleaning efficiency by ensuring consistent flow rates and surface cleaning quality.
Implementation Method 1
a pump configured to direct cleaning solution from the solution tank outlet through the at least one discharge line filter
Implementation Method 2
a bypass line configured to divert cleaning solution received from the pump discharge away from the cleaning head and toward the solution tank
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device may include a solution tank configured to store cleaning solution. The solution tank may include an inlet and an outlet. The cleaning device may include at least one discharge line filter in fluid communication with the solution tank and a pump having a pump intake and a pump discharge. The pump may be configured to direct cleaning solution from the solution tank outlet through the at least one discharge line filter. The cleaning device may include a cleaning head in fluid communication with the pump discharge and a bypass line in fluid communication with the pump discharge and the inlet. The bypass line may be configured to divert cleaning solution received from the pump discharge away from the cleaning head and toward the solution tank.