Suction foot for a floor cleaning machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suction cups in floor cleaning machines require time-consuming and inconvenient cleaning due to dirt accumulation, which dries into a solid layer, hindering efficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A suction base with a flushing device that supplies rinsing fluid into the suction channel, connected to the suction foot base and suction channel, allowing for easy cleaning by using the suction device to remove the fluid and dirt, with optional features like hose couplings, multiple flushing fluid openings, and a hollow body design for improved cleaning efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the suction channel is used continuously for floor cleaning, then cleaning productivity is improved, but dirt accumulates in the suction channel requiring time-consuming cleaning interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning productivityVSAvoidcleaning interruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by introducing flushing fluid into the suction channel before dirt can accumulate to problematic levels. The flushing device enables proactive cleaning during operation, preventing dirt buildup rather than requiring reactive cleaning interruptions. This allows the suction channel to be maintained in a clean state continuously, eliminating productivity losses from cleaning stops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the suction channel is cleaned frequently to prevent dirt accumulation, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but operational time is reduced due to cleaning interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidoperational time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables continuity of useful action by allowing the suction channel to be flushed with cleaning fluid during normal operation without stopping the floor cleaning process. The flushing can occur continuously or at regular intervals while the machine remains operational, maintaining cleaning effectiveness while maximizing operational time. The useful actions of both floor cleaning and suction channel maintenance occur simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If a flushing device is added to the suction foot, then ease of cleaning is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cleaningVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies merging by integrating the flushing device components directly into the existing suction foot structure. The flushing fluid supply line connects to the suction channel, and the flushing fluid opening is incorporated into the suction foot base. This combination allows the suction channel to be cleaned through the existing suction connection without requiring separate cleaning equipment or complex additional mechanisms, improving ease of cleaning while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 suction base can be cleaned simply and frequently, preventing dirt from drying into a solid layer, reducing maintenance effort and ensuring continuous operation with improved cleaning effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum provided by a dedicated suction device of the floor cleaning machine, which is applied to the squeegee, in particular its suction channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

a flushing device for supplying flushing fluid into the suction channel, wherein the flushing device has a connecting element for connection to a supply line for the flushing fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 3

This rinsing fluid can then be sucked out again using the suction device on the floor cleaning machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3415068B1Suction foot for a floor cleaning machine
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 HAKO GMBH
  • EP3415068B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3415068B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3415068B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Shown and described is a squeegee for a floor cleaning machine with a squeegee base which has an upper wall, a front wall and a rear wall extending from the upper wall, a suction channel being formed between the front wall and the rear wall and the rear wall having a bearing edge for has a support on a floor surface to be cleaned, with a suction connection which is connected to the suction channel, extends through the top wall and can be connected to a suction device of the floor cleaning machine, characterized by a flushing device for supplying flushing fluid into the suction channel, the flushing device has a connecting element for connecting to a supply line for the rinsing fluid, the connecting element being attached to the squeegee base and being connected to the suction channel for supplying rinsing fluid.