Steam Cleaner With Multifunctional Unit for Cordless Surface Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning apparatuses for domestic and industrial surfaces are inefficient due to the need to manually maneuver a hose to reach all areas, the formation of incrustations that are difficult to remove, and the requirement for constant connection to a power source, which limits mobility and cleaning effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a multifunctional unit that allows for easy displacement and operation without a power source, featuring a valve system to switch between suction and steam directions, a large cleaning brush, and onboard battery power, along with ultrasonic transducers and UV lamps for enhanced cleaning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single hose is used to deliver both suction and steam to all areas, then the apparatus structure is simple, but cleaning efficiency decreases due to time-consuming manual hose displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cleaning system into separate functional units: a suction unit with its own hose and a steam generation unit with its own hose. This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently and simultaneously, eliminating the need to manually switch between functions and significantly improving cleaning efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus integrates multiple cleaning functions (suction and steam generation) into a single unified device that can perform both operations simultaneously or separately. This multi-functionality allows the user to clean different surface types and dirt conditions without switching to different devices, improving overall productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user must maneuver both the suction hose and pull the apparatus to reach all surfaces, then the apparatus can access all areas, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the suction and steam delivery systems into independent hoses that can be maneuvered separately, the user only needs to move the lightweight hoses to reach different areas rather than dragging the entire heavy apparatus, significantly reducing physical burden while maintaining full access to all surface areas
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible hoses act as intermediaries between the main apparatus body and the cleaning surfaces. These hoses transmit the cleaning functions (suction and steam) to distant locations without requiring the user to physically move the heavy apparatus body, making operation much easier while maintaining versatility
3Power
If steam jets are used to clean incrustations, then cleaning power increases, but safety decreases due to risk of accidental ejection at temperatures exceeding 100°C
Solution Approach 1:
A safety screen is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the high-temperature steam jets and the user. This screen allows the steam to maintain its high temperature and cleaning power while preventing direct contact with the user, thus maintaining both cleaning effectiveness and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The safety screen provides beforehand protection by being positioned in advance to block potential accidental ejection of steam jets. This preventive measure ensures that even if the steam jet is directed toward the user, the screen will intercept it before contact occurs, maintaining safety without reducing cleaning power
4Reliability
If the apparatus is connected to a power supply point by a connection cable, then operational reliability increases, but mobility decreases due to repeated disconnection and reconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates an onboard battery system that provides self-contained power, eliminating the need for external power supply connections. This allows the apparatus to operate independently and be moved freely to any location without repeated disconnection and reconnection of power cables, significantly improving mobility while maintaining operational reliability through the integrated power source
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
Enables quick, thorough, and safe cleaning of large surfaces without the need for constant power, with improved dirt removal capabilities and increased mobility, allowing for efficient operation on any surface type.
Implementation Method 1
A set of controllable resistors arranged in the boiler heats water until it turns into steam
Implementation Method 2
a set of ultrasonic transducers, which, when switched on, vibrate the surface of the brush
Implementation Method 3
a set of UV lamps, which, when switched on, emit UV rays in the area beyond the brush
Data Source
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AI summary
The apparatus (1) for cleaning domestic and industrial surfaces (S) comprises a box-like machine body (2) having suction means and steam generation means housed therein, and defining a front portion (202) and an opposite rear portion (102); a joint (8) for the end of a first suction and steam carrying flexible duct (9, 109); said machine body (2) comprising an additional multifunctional suction and steam delivery unit which is overhangingly supported by said machine body (2) between two bilateral support arms (17) hinged to said machine body, and extending beyond the front portion (202) of the machine body (2).