Steam cleaning device and accessory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam cleaning devices are not convenient for cleaning non-flat surfaces like toilets, taps, and sinks, and when used with steam, users are susceptible to burns due to the direct exposure of steam.
Innovation Solution
A steam cleaning accessory with a flexible body, steam conduit, and deflection elements, such as peripheral ribs, that can be worn on the hand, directing steam away from the user and providing thermal insulation to prevent burns, allowing for effective sanitizing of non-flat surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cleaning glove with ducts for receiving or delivering fluid is used, then the device can clean surfaces other than the floor, but the user is susceptible to being burnt by the steam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermal insulation layer between the steam conduit and the user's hand. This mediator prevents direct thermal contact, allowing the user to safely operate the steam cleaning device on various surfaces without risk of burns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible thermal insulation layer that conforms to the shape of the cleaning head and provides continuous thermal protection. This flexible barrier maintains the versatility of the device while protecting the user from steam exposure.
2Reliability
If a rigid cleaning head is used for floor cleaning, then the device is effective for floor surfaces, but it is difficult to clean surfaces other than the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static rigid cleaning head into a dynamic, flexible structure that can adapt its shape. The flexible body allows the cleaning head to conform to various surface geometries, enabling effective cleaning of non-floor surfaces while maintaining the steam delivery functionality for floor cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the rigid cleaning head shell with a flexible body made of flexible material. This flexible shell maintains the structural integrity needed for effective cleaning while allowing the head to bend and adapt to different surface shapes, thereby achieving versatility.
3Productivity
If the steam outlet is positioned on the underside of the base, then the steam is directed to the surface to be cleaned, but the steam may flow around the peripheral wall to the top of the accessory near the user's hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces deflection elements as intermediaries between the steam outlet and the user's hand. These elements actively redirect the steam flow path, ensuring steam is delivered to the cleaning surface while preventing it from reaching the user's hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the natural steam flow path by introducing deflection elements that force steam to travel in the opposite direction from what would naturally occur. Instead of allowing steam to flow up to the user's hand, the deflection elements redirect it back toward the cleaning surface.
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 accessory allows for safe and convenient cleaning of non-flat surfaces by redirecting steam flow and reducing thermal energy transfer to the user's hand, making it suitable for indoor domestic tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a steam conduit connectable to the steam generator and arranged to be in fluid communication therewith, wherein the steam conduit comprises at least one steam outlet for ejecting steam
Implementation Method 2
The at least one deflection element mounted on the peripheral wall limits or prevents the steam flow from following the contour of the outside of the steam cleaning accessory
Implementation Method 3
a flexible insulating layer mounted between the base and the flexible pocket. The steam cleaning accessory is better thermally insulated and limits the transfer of thermal energy from the steam to the user's hand
Data Source
AI summary
A steam cleaning accessory for use with a steam generator comprises: a flexible body comprising a base and at least one peripheral wall upstanding from the base. At least one steam conduit is connectable to the steam generator and arranged to be in fluid communication therewith. The steam conduit comprises at least one steam outlet for ejecting steam and the at least one steam outlet is mounted on an underside of the base which is configured to be adjacent to a surface to be cleaned. A flexible pocket is mounted on the flexible body and is arranged to receive a user's hand. The at least one peripheral wall comprises at least one deflection element outwardly projecting from the peripheral wall.