Surface Cleaner with Modular Nozzle and Interchangeable Accessories
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaners lack versatility and efficiency in cleaning various surfaces due to limited nozzle configurations and lack of interchangeable accessories for different cleaning tasks.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaner design featuring a base with a movable nozzle and interchangeable accessory bodies, each with its own nozzle configuration, agitator, and fluid distribution system, allowing for adjustable suction and fluid delivery to accommodate different cleaning tasks, including a removable second accessory body for smaller areas and spot cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed nozzle configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but the cleaning versatility for different surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple segments or components that can be reconfigured. The nozzle assembly includes a main body and interchangeable components that allow different configurations to be assembled from the same basic parts, enabling versatility without requiring completely separate nozzle units for each surface type.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle configuration is made adjustable and reconfigurable during operation. The system allows users to change nozzle settings, angles, or components based on the specific cleaning task, transforming a static single-purpose nozzle into a dynamic multi-purpose system that adapts to different surfaces and cleaning requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable accessory bodies are added for different cleaning tasks, then the cleaning versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory bodies are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that allow different accessories to be interchangeably attached to the same base unit. This multi-functionality approach enables a single base cleaner to perform multiple cleaning tasks by simply swapping accessories, improving versatility while controlling complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are merged into integrated accessory bodies. Each accessory combines several functions (e.g., agitation, fluid distribution, suction) into a single unified component that attaches to the base, reducing the need for multiple separate attachments and simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable accessory bodies are implemented for spot cleaning, then the adaptability to different cleaning areas is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory body is segmented into modular components with standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation allows for quick attachment and detachment through simple coupling mechanisms, making the operation easier while maintaining the ability to adapt to different cleaning areas through component reconfiguration.
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
Enhances cleaning versatility and efficiency by allowing users to switch between different nozzle configurations and agitator types for various surfaces, improving debris collection and fluid distribution, making it suitable for multiple cleaning tasks from large areas to small spots.
Implementation Method 1
a suction source configured to generate a suction airflow along an airpath between a suction inlet and an air exhaust
Implementation Method 2
a fluid distribution system has a fluid port disposed on the base in fluid communication with the supply tank configured to selectively deliver fluid from the supply tank
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaner that includes an accessory body removably coupled to a base. A nozzle has a first nozzle portion having a first nozzle passageway attached to the base and a second nozzle portion having a second nozzle passageway attached to the accessory body and removable with the accessory body. The first nozzle portion and second nozzle portion are releasably coupled connecting the first and second nozzle passageways along an airpath in fluid communication with a collection container when the accessory body is coupled to the base. The first nozzle passageway forms a suction inlet when the accessory body is coupled to the base and the second nozzle passageway forms the suction inlet in communication with the collection container and the suction source when the accessory body is uncoupled from the base.