Surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface cleaning apparatuses, such as extraction cleaners, face challenges in providing a versatile and user-friendly design that allows for efficient fluid delivery and recovery systems, along with easy maneuverability and adjustable cleaning modes, particularly in pivoting the upright assembly relative to the base assembly.
Innovation Solution
The surface cleaning apparatus features a housing with an upright assembly and a base assembly that can be moved across a surface, incorporating a working air path, a recovery container, a suction source, and a pedal assembly that allows pivotal motion of the upright assembly relative to the base, enabling easy adjustment between upright and reclined positions, along with a fluid delivery system for effective cleaning fluid distribution and recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the upright assembly is made movable relative to the base assembly to enable adjustable cleaning modes, then the adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for locking and releasing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The upright assembly is designed to be movable relative to the base assembly, transitioning between locked and unlocked states. The pedal assembly actuates a latch mechanism that releases the upright assembly from its locked position, allowing it to pivot to different angles for various cleaning modes (upright, angled, and flat positions), thereby providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch mechanism automatically engages to lock the upright assembly in place when the pedal is released, providing self-locking functionality. The system uses the user's foot pressure on the pedal to automatically disengage the latch, eliminating the need for separate locking actions or complex control systems
2Reliability
If the upright assembly is locked in place to provide stability during cleaning operations, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The upright assembly transitions between static locked states (providing stability) and dynamic unlocked states (providing maneuverability). The pedal assembly enables quick transitions between these states, allowing the user to lock the assembly for stable cleaning operations and unlock it for repositioning or storage, thus balancing reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, easily actuated mechanism (latch and pedal assembly) independent of the main cleaning function. This allows the locking/unlocking action to be performed quickly and separately from the cleaning operation, minimizing disruption to the cleaning workflow while ensuring stability when locked
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 enhances the cleaning efficiency by allowing for adjustable cleaning modes, easy maneuverability, and effective fluid management, improving the overall cleaning experience by enabling efficient debris and fluid removal from surfaces.
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 biasing mechanism configured to bias the sliding latch into the locked position
Data Source
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AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus (10) is provided with a housing including an upright assembly (60) and a base assembly (62) moveably mounted to the upright assembly (60), a fluid container (34) provided on the housing, a fluid distributor (38) provided in the base assembly (62) in fluid communication with the fluid container (34), a working air path through the housing, a recovery container (20) provided on the housing and defining a portion of the working air path a suction source (18) provided on the housing and defining a portion of the working air path, and a suction nozzle (16) provided on the base assembly (62).