Steam mop and floor tool therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam mops require significant manual scrubbing effort to effectively dislodge dirt and clean surfaces efficiently, while also lacking in rapid and efficient dirt removal.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an elongated body with a heater, a conduit, and a floor tool featuring rolls with a permeable steam interface and a drive unit for rotating the rolls, enhancing steam delivery and scrubbing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam is delivered to heat the floor surface, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but manual scrubbing effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines steam delivery and mechanical scrubbing functions into a single integrated floor tool. The steam nozzle is positioned adjacent to the rotating roll, creating a coordinated cleaning system where steam softens dirt while the roll simultaneously scrubs the surface, eliminating the need for separate manual scrubbing actions
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating roll acts as an intermediary between the steam and the floor surface. It receives steam through permeable material, allows steam to pass through to heat the floor, and simultaneously provides mechanical scrubbing action to dislodge dirt, mediating between thermal cleaning and mechanical cleaning functions
2Productivity
If steam delivery is enhanced, then cleaning speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roll incorporates permeable or porous material that allows steam to pass through while maintaining structural integrity. This enables enhanced steam delivery to the floor surface without requiring complex steam distribution systems, as the porous roll itself distributes steam uniformly across the cleaning area
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating roll serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical scrubbing action, distributes steam across the floor surface, and supports the steam nozzle structure. This multi-functionality enhances cleaning speed without proportionally increasing device complexity
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
This design reduces manual scrubbing effort by utilizing steam and rotating rolls to efficiently clean surfaces, improving cleaning speed and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured for receiving liquid and heating the liquid
Implementation Method 2
the roll defining an inner cavity for receiving steam, the floor cleaning interface of the roll being permeable to steam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An apparatus for cleaning a floor surface, the apparatus may have an elongated body. A heater is configured for receiving liquid and heating the liquid. A conduit may be in fluid flow communication with an outlet of the heater. A floor tool is connected at a proximal end of the elongated body. The floor tool may include a hub portion, at least one roll defining a floor cleaning interface, the roll connected to the hub portion for rotation, the roll defining an inner cavity for receiving steam, the floor cleaning interface of the roll being permeable to steam. A delivery outlet may be in fluid flow communication with the conduit to receive steam or vapour therefrom, the delivery outlet in fluid flow communication with the inner cavity of the roll.