Integrated Supply Tank Assembly for Adjustable Detergent Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extractor cleaning machines face challenges in efficiently mixing and dispensing water and detergent at desired ratios, often requiring elaborate valve and conduit arrangements, which can be complex and prone to cross-mixing issues.
Innovation Solution
A supply tank design with separate chambers for water and detergent, featuring a mixing chamber in fluid communication with both, and a valve system to control the detergent flow, allowing for adjustable mixing ratios and easy removal as a single unit, simplifying the mixing process and reducing the need for additional mixing components within the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate tanks for water and detergent are used with elaborate valve and conduit arrangements to mix at preset ratios, then mixing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate water and detergent tanks with their respective valves and conduits into a single integrated supply tank assembly. The water chamber, detergent chamber, and mixing chamber are merged into one unit, eliminating the need for separate external tanks and reducing the complexity of valve and conduit arrangements while maintaining preset mixing ratios through internal configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply tank is segmented into distinct functional chambers (water chamber, detergent chamber, mixing chamber) that are integrated into a single removable unit. This segmentation allows for precise control of fluid paths and mixing ratios while consolidating what would otherwise be separate complex systems into one manageable assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If elaborate valve and conduit arrangements are used for mixing water and detergent, then mixing control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all mixing components (valves, conduits, chambers) into a single integrated supply tank assembly, the system maintains precise mixing ratio control while dramatically improving ease of operation. Users can now simply remove the entire assembly, refill both chambers, and reattach - eliminating the need to manually operate multiple valves and check multiple separate tanks.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows the supply tank assembly to serve itself during maintenance - users refill both water and detergent chambers simultaneously when the single assembly is removed, and the internal valve system automatically manages the mixing ratios without requiring user intervention in the complex valve arrangements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate tanks for water and detergent are used, then adaptability to different cleaning needs is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate water and detergent storage systems into a single integrated supply tank assembly that maintains the ability to store and mix different fluids. The assembly can be configured for various cleaning applications by selecting appropriate fluids for each chamber, while the integrated design reduces overall system complexity compared to having completely separate tank systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated supply tank assembly serves multiple functions - storing water, storing detergent, mixing the fluids at controlled ratios, and dispensing the mixture - all within a single removable unit. This multi-functionality provides adaptability for different cleaning needs while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate systems.
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
This design enables efficient and adjustable mixing of water and detergent, allowing for precise control of detergent concentration, easy maintenance, and compatibility with both two-tank and premixed systems, enhancing user flexibility and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, and the suction source is operable to draw fluid from the surface through the suction nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a mixing chamber at least partially defined by at least one of the body of the first tank and the body of the second tank. The mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the first tank and the second tank for receiving the first and second fluids
Data Source
AI summary
An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base movable along a surface to be cleaned, the base including a distribution nozzle and a suction nozzle. The extractor further includes a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. A recovery tank is in fluid communication with the suction source and the suction nozzle to receive the fluid drawn through the suction nozzle. The extractor further includes a supply tank including a first chamber for storing a first fluid, a second chamber for storing a second fluid, and a third chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber to receive the first and second fluids, the third chamber also in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle for supplying a mixture of the first and second fluids to the distribution nozzle.