Repositionable Suction Head With Peripheral Trough for Fluid Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid suction devices are not effective and efficient in collecting and removing fluids from operating floors and other horizontal surfaces, as they often fail to direct fluids into the collection mechanism efficiently and can be hindered by the suction force causing the device to stick to the floor.
Innovation Solution
A fluid suction device with a central body, a suction channel around its periphery, a drain trough extending around the periphery, and an extended rim that directs fluids into the suction channel, combined with a fabric pad for efficient fluid collection and removal, allowing the device to move easily across the surface without being drawn down by suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If suction force is increased to improve fluid collection efficiency, then fluid uptake is enhanced, but the device sticks to the floor and movement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The suction channel is segmented into multiple sections along the periphery of the central body, with each section having independent control over suction force through adjustable suction elements. This allows different regions to have optimized suction strength, preventing overall device sticking while maintaining effective fluid collection in areas where fluid is present
Solution Approach 2:
The suction force is made non-uniform across the device perimeter, with stronger suction localized to areas where fluid spillage is most likely to occur. The adjustable suction elements allow operators to concentrate suction force in specific directions or regions, improving fluid uptake efficiency without increasing overall suction force that would cause the device to stick to the floor
2Productivity
If the suction channel is positioned close to the floor for better fluid pickup, then fluid collection efficiency improves, but the device becomes unstable and harder to control
Solution Approach 1:
The suction channel is positioned in a three-dimensional configuration that extends vertically from the floor surface upward along the periphery of the central body. This vertical dimension allows the suction opening to be close to the floor for effective fluid pickup while the upper portions of the suction channel and central body provide structural stability and a higher center of gravity that prevents the device from becoming unstable during operation
3Ease of manufacture
If the device structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost decreases, but fluid directing capability and collection efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral structure of the central body serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework of the device, forms the housing for the suction channel, creates the drain trough configuration, and directs fluid toward the suction opening. This multi-functionality allows effective fluid collection without adding separate dedicated components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high collection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The drain trough and suction channel structures are merged into a single integrated configuration along the periphery of the central body. The drain trough directs fluid horizontally toward the suction opening, combining the fluid directing function with the suction structure itself rather than requiring separate directing mechanisms, thereby simplifying manufacture while maintaining fluid collection efficiency
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 device efficiently collects and removes fluids by directing them into the suction channel through the drain trough and pad, preventing fluid diversion and allowing easy movement across the floor, enhancing fluid uptake and reducing noise and trip hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a suction channel (20) located on an underside of the central body (12) extending at least partially around a periphery of the central body (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A repositionable fluid suction device is disclosed. The device includes a central body and a suction channel located on an underside of the central body extending at least partially around a periphery of the central body. A rim extends downward from the central body, and may define a portion of the suction channel. A fluid collection trough extends at least partially around the periphery of the central body to collect fluids that fall on the upper surface of the central body. The outermost peripheral edge of the suction device may comprise at least one concave portion extending radially inward toward the central body.