Steam Mop Automatic Dispensing for Pad Usage and Disinfection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steam mops are inadequate for effectively disinfecting and cleaning hard floors due to insufficient steam temperatures and prolonged exposure, and require excessive back-and-forth strokes for stain removal, often relying on harsh chemicals.
Innovation Solution
A steam mop design that incorporates a reservoir for water and a heater to produce steam, with an optional cleaning solution dispenser, and a control system to adjust steam and solution delivery rates based on flooring materials and usage patterns, including a moveable cleaning pad for enhanced scrubbing action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam alone is used for disinfection, then the cleaning process is simple, but the disinfection effectiveness is insufficient because temperatures do not exceed 85°C and are only maintained for short periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by introducing a heating element that heats the cleaning pad to temperatures exceeding 85°C, thereby achieving effective disinfection. The control system monitors and adjusts the heating parameters to maintain the required temperature for sufficient disinfection time.
2Reliability
If multiple back and forth strokes are used to remove stains, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but cleaning time and user effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a vibration mechanism in the cleaning pad that generates high-frequency oscillations during operation. This mechanical vibration enhances the pad's ability to lift and remove stains from the floor surface, achieving effective cleaning with fewer strokes and reduced user effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical scrubbing action with an automated vibration mechanism. The vibration motor drives the cleaning pad to oscillate, substituting for the user's repeated back-and-forth strokes and reducing the physical effort and time required for stain removal.
3Reliability
If cleaning solutions are boiled in the boiler, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but boiler fouling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid handling system into separate pathways: water is routed through the boiler for steam generation, while cleaning solutions are delivered separately to the cleaning pad via a dedicated dispensing system. This segmentation prevents cleaning solutions from contacting and fouling the boiler components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a separate delivery mechanism as an intermediary between the cleaning solution reservoir and the cleaning surface. Instead of boiling cleaning solutions, the system uses a pump or pressure system to deliver liquid cleaning solutions directly to the pad, eliminating the fouling issue while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
4Productivity
If steam is directed onto the surface before cleaning, then pre-wetting improves cleaning, but additional components and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steam generation system and cleaning solution dispensing system into a single integrated cleaning head. Both steam and cleaning solution are delivered through the same cleaning pad assembly, merging multiple functions into one unified structure and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning pad serves multiple functions: it acts as a steam delivery surface, a cleaning solution application surface, and a heating element support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pre-wetting apparatus and reduces the number of components required in the system.
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 steam mop achieves effective disinfection and cleaning with adjustable steam and solution delivery, reducing the need for harsh chemicals and minimizing user intervention, while improving cleaning efficiency and surface sanitization.
Implementation Method 1
a heater or boiler for heating the water and converting at least a portion of the water into steam
Implementation Method 2
a heater or boiler for heating the water and converting at least a portion of the water into steam
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning head including a cleaning pad mount that is configured to receive a water absorbent cleaning pad and a fluid distribution system in communication with the cleaning pad mount. An automatic dispensing system is provided. The automatic dispensing system is operatively connected to the fluid distribution system and comprises a detector that receives a signal indicative of the usage of a cleaning pad provided on the cleaning pad mount and a controller configured to adjust the amount of at least one of steam and cleaning solution delivered based on a signal from the detector.