Surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface cleaning devices, such as steam mops, are limited in effectively removing organic stains and odors due to the lack of reactive oxygen species generation, relying solely on steam for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a reactive oxygen species generator, utilizing ultrasonic energy to produce ROS from water, which is applied in conjunction with steam to enhance cleaning efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional steam-based cleaning is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to remove organic stains and odors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines steam generation with reactive oxygen species generation in a single cleaning device. The steam generator and ROS generator are integrated into the same housing, allowing both cleaning mechanisms to work simultaneously on the surface, thereby enhancing the ability to remove organic stains and odors while maintaining a relatively compact structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed to perform multiple functions: steam cleaning and reactive oxygen species cleaning. The fluid distribution system can deliver both steam and ROS-containing solution to the cleaning pad, enabling the device to address various types of contamination (general dirt, organic stains, and odors) with a single apparatus
2Productivity
If a reactive oxygen species generator is integrated into the steam mop, then cleaning efficacy for organic stains and odors is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a steam generator section, a reactive oxygen species generator section, and a fluid distribution section. Each module operates independently but contributes to the overall cleaning function, allowing for easier manufacturing and maintenance while achieving enhanced cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning pad serves as an intermediary that receives both steam and reactive oxygen species solution from the fluid distribution system and transfers them to the surface being cleaned. This mediator approach allows the two different cleaning agents to be delivered through a common interface, simplifying the overall system architecture
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 combination of steam and reactive oxygen species effectively oxidizes and removes organic stains and odors, providing a more comprehensive cleaning performance compared to traditional steam-based cleaning methods.
Implementation Method 1
a reactive oxygen species generator provided with the housing in fluid communication with the supply tank, the reactive oxygen species generator configured to contact the portion of the fluid to generate reactive oxygen species
Implementation Method 2
The steam generator includes a heater for heating the fluid to produce steam
Implementation Method 3
The combination of steam and reactive oxygen species effectively oxidizes and removes organic stains and odors
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing with an on-board reactive oxygen species generator which produces reactive oxygen species in situ from fluid stored within an on-board supply tank of the surface cleaning apparatus, and further delivers the generated reactive oxygen species to a cleaning pad attached to the housing of the surface cleaning apparatus.