Surface cleaning apparatus and tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-surface cleaning apparatuses lack an efficient and integrated solution for both wet and dry cleaning, particularly in providing a cordless, versatile, and self-cleaning surface cleaning system that effectively manages fluid delivery and recovery across various surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A cordless surface cleaning apparatus with a modular design featuring a rechargeable battery, a fluid delivery system, and a fluid recovery system, including a brushroll and suction nozzle assembly, which allows for adjustable cleaning modes and a self-cleaning mechanism using a storage tray for charging and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-surface cleaning apparatus is designed to provide both wet and dry cleaning capabilities, then cleaning versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is designed with a universal cleaning head that can perform both wet cleaning (fluid delivery and recovery) and dry cleaning (debris suction) functions. The system includes a fluid delivery system with supply tank and distributor, a fluid recovery system with recovery tank and suction nozzle, and a suction source that operates in both modes, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized cleaners
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is divided into modular components including a removable supply tank, removable recovery tank, detachable cleaning head with brushroll and nozzle assembly, and separable battery pack. This segmentation allows flexible configuration for different cleaning modes and facilitates easy maintenance and cleaning of individual components
2Ease of operation
If the cleaning apparatus is designed to be cordless with a rechargeable battery, then ease of operation is improved, but power availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a rechargeable battery pack that can be removed and replaced, allowing the power source to be dynamically renewed. The battery housing includes removable covers and electrical contacts that enable quick swapping or recharging, maintaining cordless convenience while ensuring continuous power availability through battery replacement or regeneration
3Extent of automation
If a self-cleaning mechanism is added to the apparatus, then maintenance requirements are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus includes a self-cleaning mechanism where the suction source and fluid recovery system automatically clean the brushroll and cleaning head components during operation. The system uses suction to remove debris and fluid from the brushroll area, and the recoverable fluid serves to clean surfaces, reducing manual maintenance requirements while integrating the self-cleaning function into existing system components
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 efficient wet and dry cleaning across multiple surfaces with a rechargeable battery for cordless operation and a self-cleaning mode that maintains the apparatus's performance and hygiene, enhancing user convenience and cleaning effectiveness.
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
Implementation Method 2
a pump, and a fluid distributor, the fluid distributor provided on the base and configured to spray the brushroll
Implementation Method 3
a brushroll motor provided in the base and operably coupled to the brushroll, the brushroll motor adapted to provide a driving force to rotate the brushroll about the brushroll axis
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus can dock within a storage tray and charge a power supply. Electrical contacts on the surface cleaning apparatus and the storage tray can be shielded when the surface cleaning apparatus is not docked within the storage tray. Furthermore, the storage tray can include a reservoir for a self-cleaning mode.