Steam cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam cleaning apparatuses for domestic use lack convenience and consistency in steam generation, often requiring manual pumping and can lead to boiler overheating if water supply is interrupted.
Innovation Solution
An electrically powered steam cleaning apparatus with an air pump, boiler, and pressure regulation system that automatically pressurizes water to generate steam, includes safety features like a pressure release valve and a position-sensitive switch for easy operation and safety, and a water filter to prevent blockages from hard water minerals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pumping is used to supply water from the water tank to the boiler, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pumping system with an electrically powered pump. The pump is driven by an electric motor that automatically supplies water from the water tank to the boiler, eliminating the need for manual pumping operations while maintaining reliable water supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the electrically powered pump automatically performs the water supply function without requiring user intervention. The pump activates when water level in the boiler decreases and continues until the water tank is empty or the boiler is full, providing autonomous operation.
2Reliability
If manual pumping is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the consistency of steam generation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the electrically powered pump is controlled by the water level in the boiler. When the water level drops below a certain threshold, the pump automatically activates to restore the level, ensuring consistent steam generation by preventing water shortage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically powered pump ensures continuous water supply to the boiler, maintaining uninterrupted steam generation. The pump operates continuously or in intervals as needed to keep the boiler water level within the optimal range for consistent steam production.
3Reliability
If water supply is interrupted during operation, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the boiler overheating risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a protective mechanism where the electrically powered pump continuously monitors and maintains adequate water levels in the boiler before critical conditions occur. This prevents boiler overheating by ensuring water is always available to absorb heat, cushioning against the risk of overheating before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control where the pump operation is regulated based on boiler water level conditions. When water level becomes low, the pump automatically increases operation to prevent overheating, creating a self-regulating system that responds to thermal conditions.
4Productivity
If an electrically powered pump is used to automate water supply, then the ease of operation improves and productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pumping with an electrically powered pump system that automatically supplies water to the boiler. This substitution increases productivity by eliminating manual effort and enabling continuous operation, while the electrical drive mechanism provides reliable and consistent water supply.
5Ease of operation
If an electrically powered pump is used, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically powered pump system provides self-service operation, automatically performing water supply without requiring user intervention. The pump activates and deactivates based on water level conditions, making the system easy to operate while the automation handles the complexity of continuous monitoring and regulation.
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 provides a convenient, consistent steam flow, prevents boiler overheating, and ensures safe operation by automatically managing pressure and filtering water, allowing for effective cleaning and sterilization without manual effort.
Implementation Method 1
the air pump pumps air through the first valve into the water tank, pressurising the water therein until the water reaches said first predetermined pressure
Implementation Method 2
the boiler heating water to generate steam
Implementation Method 3
the boiler heating water to generate steam
Implementation Method 4
the second valve being arranged to allow water above a first predetermined pressure to flow into the inlet of the boiler
Data Source
AI summary
A steam cleaning apparatus comprising: a main body having a boiler and a pump; a main power switch; a cleaning head coupled to a main body through a joint; a yoke in the main body or the cleaning head, the yoke having an arm contacting a position sensitive switch so that when the main body is in a non-use position, the position sensitive switch prevents the main switch from supplying power, and when the main body is in an in-use position, the position sensitive switch allows the main switch to provide power.