Squeegee Dryer Using Heated Exhaust Air for Fast Floor Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial and commercial floor cleaning equipment leaves a residual thin film of cleaning solution that slows down the evaporation process, necessitating the exclusion of pedestrians and vehicles until evaporation is complete, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A floor cleaning apparatus that directs heated gas along the entire length of the squeegee assembly to evaporate the residual cleaning solution film, utilizing the exhaust from vacuum pumps and a diffuser to evenly distribute the gas and expedite evaporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a vacuum squeegee assembly is used to collect cleaning solution, then substantially all of the solution is collected, but a thin film of solution remains on the floor that evaporates slowly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the gas directed at the residual film, heating it to accelerate evaporation. The gas delivery system includes heating elements that raise the gas temperature before it contacts the residual cleaning solution film, thereby increasing the evaporation rate and reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a gas delivery system with nozzles to direct heated gas across the floor surface where the residual film exists. This pneumatic approach allows controlled delivery of thermal energy to the film without mechanical contact, efficiently accelerating evaporation.
2Reliability
If the floor is kept clear of pedestrians and vehicles during evaporation, then safety is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to extended closure time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by accelerating the evaporation process so that the floor can be returned to service much faster. The heated gas treatment reduces the evaporation time from an extended period to a brief interval, allowing near-continuous floor availability while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the temperature parameter of the gas applied to the residual film, the patent dramatically reduces the time required for safe floor reuse. This parameter modification allows the floor to be safely returned to pedestrians and vehicles much sooner than natural evaporation would permit.
3Loss of time
If gas is directed toward the floor to evaporate residual solution, then evaporation is accelerated, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recycles the vacuum system's own exhaust air, which is already warm from the vacuum motor operation, and redirects it through the gas delivery system to treat the residual film. This self-service approach utilizes waste thermal energy from the vacuum system itself, minimizing additional energy consumption while still achieving rapid evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the waste heat that would otherwise be exhausted from the vacuum system into a useful resource for accelerating evaporation. By capturing and redirecting this thermal energy through the gas delivery system, the patent transforms a byproduct into a beneficial element that reduces overall energy consumption.
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 apparatus effectively accelerates the evaporation of the cleaning solution film, allowing for safer and more efficient use of cleaned areas by pedestrians and vehicles sooner.
Implementation Method 1
A gas delivery system is supported by the chassis for directing a gas toward the floor rearwardly of the squeegee assembly along substantially the entire length of the squeegee assembly to evaporate cleaning solution dispensed from the first tank and not recovered by the squeegee assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A floor cleaning apparatus includes a chassis having a forward end and a rearward end. A plurality of floor engaging wheels support the chassis above a floor. A first tank is supported by the chassis for holding a cleaning solution that is dispensed onto the floor. A second tank is supported by the chassis for holding cleaning solution recovered from the floor. A squeegee assembly is supported by the chassis rearwardly of the forward end and in fluid communication with the second tank, wherein recovered cleaning solution drawn into the squeegee assembly is deposited into the second tank. A gas is directed toward the floor rearwardly of the squeegee assembly along substantially the entire length of the squeegee assembly to evaporate cleaning solution dispensed from the first tank and not recovered by the squeegee assembly.