Stripping device for a floor cleaning machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floor cleaning machines face difficulties in easily and quickly dismantling the suction nozzle for maintenance and cleaning, leading to inadequate suction performance due to worn scraper blades, and lack protection against mechanical damage from obstacles.

Innovation Solution

A scraper device with a magnetic coupling system that allows the suction nozzle to be easily rotated and detached with one movement, providing protection against mechanical damage and automatic reconnection, while avoiding pinching hazards and ensuring secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the suction nozzle is attached using screws or clamps, then the connection is secure, but the dismantling process becomes time-consuming and laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of dismantlingVSAvoidtime for removal and reattachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (screws, clamps) with a magnetic coupling system. The holding device contains a magnet that magnetically couples with ferromagnetic material in the suction nozzle, enabling secure attachment during operation while allowing rapid one-handed detachment by simply pulling the nozzle away, eliminating the need for tools and multiple fastening points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the attachment mechanism from mechanical interlocking to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing magnetic field strength as the binding parameter, the system achieves both strong holding force during operation and easy release when the magnetic coupling is broken by pulling the nozzle away, fundamentally changing how the connection is maintained and released.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the suction nozzle is easily removable, then maintenance is simplified, but mechanical protection against damage from obstacles is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidprotection against mechanical damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling system provides a balance between ease of removal and mechanical protection. The magnetic force holds the nozzle securely during normal operation and can resist incidental impacts from obstacles, while still allowing intentional removal by applying sufficient pulling force. This replaces the need for permanent mechanical fastenings that would require tools for removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling allows the connection strength to be dynamically adjusted based on the situation. During normal operation, the magnetic force provides secure attachment. When maintenance is needed, the user can easily overcome the magnetic force by pulling. The system adapts between these states without requiring different mechanisms, providing both protection and ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If multiple fastening screws are used, then the suction nozzle is securely attached, but the accessibility for removal is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidaccessibility for removal
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The single magnetic coupling point replaces multiple screw fastenings distributed at different locations. This consolidation maintains secure attachment through the magnetic force while dramatically improving accessibility, as the user only needs to access one location and can remove the nozzle with one hand without needing to reach for or manipulate multiple fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the suction nozzle is permanently installed, then mechanical protection is maximized, but cleaning and maintenance of worn scraper blades becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical protectionVSAvoidmaintenance of scraper blades
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling creates a dynamically adjustable connection that is secure during operation but easily reversible for maintenance. The suction nozzle remains firmly attached during cleaning operations, providing mechanical protection, but can be quickly removed by pulling against the magnetic force to replace worn scraper blades or clean the nozzle, then reattached by simply placing it back into position where magnetic attraction secures it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables quick and convenient removal and reattachment of the suction nozzle, preventing mechanical damage and ensuring effective suction performance without manual screw loosening, with magnetic protection against obstacles and automatic reconnection.

Implementation Method 1

The first coupling part (14) comprises a first magnet (16), while the second coupling part (15) comprises a second magnet (17), so that the first and second coupling parts (14, 15) are magnetically coupled to one another.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

automatic reconnection after the suction nozzle has been detached, i.e. not completely torn off from the machine, is not possible

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3424397B1Stripping device for a floor cleaning machine
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 WETROK
  • EP3424397B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3424397B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3424397B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Scraper device (1) for a floor cleaning machine (2) comprising a holding device (3) which can be attached to a floor cleaning machine (2) and a suction nozzle (4) which can be detachably coupled to the holding device (3), wherein the holding device (3) comprises a first coupling part (14) and the suction nozzle (4) comprises a second coupling part (15), wherein one of the first and second coupling parts (14, 15) comprises a first magnet (16) and the other of the first and second coupling parts (14, 15) comprises a second magnet (17) or a ferromagnetic part, and wherein one of the first and second coupling parts (14, 15) is designed as a female coupling structure (18) and the other of the first and second coupling parts (14, 15) is designed as a male coupling structure (19), and wherein the female and the male coupling structure (18,19) are detachably engaged with each other in the forward direction of movement (X) and are positively connected to each other against the top (13) of the suction nozzle (4) and transversely to the forward direction of movement (X).