Suction head for an extraction cleaner including a piezoelectric element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Extraction cleaners often extract a suboptimal percentage of cleaning fluid from fabric-presenting products, leading to incomplete dirt removal and prolonged drying times, and they can generate excessive noise during operation.

Innovation Solution

A suction head for extraction cleaners that incorporates a piezoelectric element to enhance fluid extraction. The piezoelectric element vibrates at high frequency, releasing and micronizing liquid from the fabric-presenting product, which is then captured by the suction head, allowing for efficient fluid extraction and reduced noise operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If suction alone is used to extract cleaning fluid from fabric-presenting products, then the extraction cleaner can operate with simple mechanism, but the extraction efficiency is suboptimal and drying time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid extraction efficiencyVSAvoiddrying time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies high-frequency mechanical vibration through a piezoelectric element that contacts the fabric-presenting product. This vibration agitates the cleaning fluid and loosens dirt particles, enabling much more efficient extraction by the suction mechanism. The vibration frequency is specifically tuned to optimize fluid release without damaging the fabric, directly resolving the contradiction between extraction efficiency and drying time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The piezoelectric element serves as an intermediary between the suction mechanism and the cleaning fluid. It translates electrical energy into mechanical vibrations that facilitate fluid extraction, acting as a mediator that enhances the interaction between the suction force and the cleaning solution, thereby improving extraction efficiency while reducing drying time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If high power suction is used to maximize fluid extraction, then extraction efficiency improves, but noise level increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid extraction efficiencyVSAvoidnoise level

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying solely on high-power suction, the patent uses mechanical vibration from the piezoelectric element to agitate and release the cleaning fluid. This allows the suction mechanism to operate at lower power levels while maintaining high extraction efficiency, thereby significantly reducing noise levels and eliminating the harmful noise effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent partially replaces the mechanical suction system with a piezoelectric vibration system. The piezoelectric element converts electrical energy directly into mechanical vibrations, substituting for some of the mechanical work previously performed by the suction mechanism, thus reducing the power requirement and noise level of the suction motor while maintaining extraction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 solution improves the efficiency of fluid extraction, reducing the amount of dirt left behind and shortening drying times, while also minimizing noise levels during operation.

Implementation Method 1

The piezoelectric element, when activated, vibrates at a high frequency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The piezoelectric element, when activated, vibrates at a high frequency. The vibrations releases liquid from the fabric-presenting product that suction alone typically cannot capture and micronizes the liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12239269B2Suction head for an extraction cleaner including a piezoelectric element

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 BISSELL INC

AI summary

A suction head for an extraction cleaner including a base forming a suction chamber and a suction outlet in fluid communication with the suction chamber; and a piezoelectric element coupled to the base, the piezoelectric element comprising a first surface open to the suction chamber, a second surface facing an external environment away from the suction chamber, a thickness between the first surface and the second surface, and a through-via through the thickness open at both the first surface and the second surface. An extraction cleaner including the suction head.