Surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses, such as extraction cleaners, face challenges in efficiently switching between on-the-floor and above-the-floor cleaning modes, and in securely coupling and decoupling vacuum hoses, which can lead to accidental release of suction nozzles during mode changes.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a diverter assembly with a hose receiver and locking mechanism that allows for secure coupling of the vacuum hose with the suction nozzle, preventing accidental release and enabling seamless switching between cleaning modes by diverting airflow and fluid communication between the suction nozzle and vacuum hose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple hose coupling mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental release of suction nozzles during mode changes
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the hose is inserted into the receiver, preventing accidental release before cleaning begins. The spring-loaded latch pre-positions itself to catch the protrusion, ensuring secure attachment without requiring additional user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the hose and receiver, providing a mechanical interface that securely connects the two components. The spring-loaded latch and protrusion design creates a reliable intermediate connection that prevents direct disengagement during operation.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental release, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into distinct functional components: the hose with its integrated protrusion, the receiver with the latch mechanism, and the spring-loaded locking system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch automatically engages with the protrusion when the hose is inserted, and automatically disengages when the release button is pressed. The mechanism serves itself by using the insertion motion to trigger the locking action, eliminating the need for separate locking steps or complex control systems.
3Device complexity
If the hose receiver is integrated into the housing, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in hose coupling and decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The hose receiver is integrated into the housing structure, but the coupling interface is designed with local quality enhancements including a spring-loaded latch and release button. This allows the majority of the structure to remain simple and integrated, while the specific coupling area provides enhanced user interaction features.
Solution Approach 2:
The release button provides a third dimension of interaction, allowing users to disengage the latch by pressing inwards rather than requiring manual manipulation of the latch itself. This dimensional addition simplifies the decoupling operation while maintaining the integrated structure.
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 solution ensures secure operation during mode changes, preventing nozzle detachment and facilitating efficient switching between on-the-floor and above-the-floor cleaning, enhancing user safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a source of suction in fluid communication with the working air conduit to draw the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and the working air conduit to the recovery tank
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus includes a recovery tank, a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the recovery tank, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and the recovery tank to generate a working air path to transport debris-containing fluid including air and liquid from the suction nozzle into the recovery tank. An air/liquid separator can be provided within the recovery tank for separating liquid from air in the debris-containing fluid.