Stowable Floor Cleaner Handle With Fluid Control Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor cleaning machines with fluid distribution systems have handles that cannot be collapsed for shipping or stowage, limiting their convenience and storage efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus with a pivotally mounted upright handle assembly that can be selectively extended and stowed, featuring a fluid delivery system with a fluid supply tank, distributor, and conduit, and a connector mechanism that allows the handle tube to move axially between extended and stowed positions, enabling easy locking and unlocking for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle tube is fixed in the extended position to maintain operational functionality, then the cleaning machine can be used effectively, but the machine cannot be collapsed for shipping or stowage, reducing storage efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The handle tube is designed to be dynamically adjustable between extended and stowed positions. The connector mechanism allows the handle tube to move axially, transitioning from a fixed extended state during operation to a collapsed stowed state for storage, making the system adaptable to different operational and storage needs
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is segmented into movable components including the handle tube and connector mechanism. This segmentation allows the handle tube to be separated from the housing during operation and retracted into the housing for storage, enabling the system to meet both operational and storage requirements
2Volume of moving object
If the handle tube is collapsed into the housing for storage, then storage efficiency improves, but the push rod cannot control the fluid flow controller, losing operational functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The connector acts as an intermediary mechanism between the push rod and fluid flow controller. During operation, the connector establishes a connection that allows the push rod to control the fluid flow controller. During storage, the connector disconnects these components, allowing the handle tube to collapse without interfering with the fluid control system
Solution Approach 2:
The connector mechanism dynamically changes the connection state between the push rod and fluid flow controller based on whether the handle tube is in the extended or stowed position. This dynamic connection ensures that fluid flow control is enabled during operation and disabled during storage, resolving the contradiction between storage efficiency and operational functionality
3Reliability
If the handle assembly is made complex with locking mechanisms to maintain extended position, then operational stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the handle tube. When the handle tube is extended, the connector automatically establishes the connection for fluid control. When the handle tube is stowed, the connector automatically disconnects. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms, maintaining reliability while minimizing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a base; an upright handle assembly pivotally mounted to the base and including an upright housing at a lower portion thereof, a handle tube extending upwardly from an upper end of the upright housing and a push rod that is axially slidable within the handle tube; wherein the handle tube is mounted for telescoping movement within upright housing between an extended position and a stowed position within the upright housing; a fluid delivery system including a fluid supply tank for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid; a fluid distributor for distributing the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank onto the surface to be cleaned; and a fluid conduit, including a fluid flow controller, between the fluid supply tank and the fluid distributor. A locking collar on the upright housing locks the handle tube in the extended and stowed positions.