Surface cleaning apparatus with scrub mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses struggle to effectively remove stubborn stains such as sticky spots and heavily soiled areas, requiring multiple passes and often necessitating manual cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus with a scrub mode that includes a bi-directional agitator rotation, controlled by a controller, which alternates the agitator's direction and adjusts fluid delivery and suction parameters to enhance stain removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the user moves the apparatus back and forth over the stain multiple times, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the cleaning time increases and the stain removal effectiveness remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating the agitator rotation between forward and reverse directions in multiple cycles. Each cycle consists of a forward rotation phase followed by a reverse rotation phase, creating a periodic scrubbing action that effectively removes stubborn stains through repeated mechanical agitation without requiring the user to manually move the apparatus multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by varying the agitator speed during different phases of the scrub mode. The controller increases agitator speed during forward rotation, maintains it during reverse rotation, and adjusts speed during transition phases. This dynamic speed variation optimizes the scrubbing effectiveness while reducing the overall cleaning time compared to static or uniform rotation speeds.
2Manufacturing precision
If the agitator rotates in a single direction continuously, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stain removal capability is insufficient for stubborn stains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics to control the agitator rotation direction and speed variations during scrub mode. The controller dynamically adjusts the motor operation to rotate the agitator forward for a first plurality of revolutions, then reverse for a second plurality of revolutions, with different speeds and braking intervals. This dynamic control enables effective stain removal while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the controller monitors the scrub mode activation and automatically adjusts the agitator rotation parameters. The system responds to the cleaning need by initiating the bi-directional cleaning cycles with appropriate speed and timing adjustments, providing adaptive stain removal capability without requiring complex manual intervention or additional mechanical components.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cleaning fluid flow rate is increased continuously, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action to the cleaning fluid delivery by coordinating fluid dispensing with the bi-directional agitator cycles. The cleaning fluid is delivered during specific phases of the scrub mode, such as during forward rotation or at specific intervals, rather than continuously. This periodic delivery maintains effective cleaning action while reducing overall fluid consumption compared to continuous high-rate dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the cleaning fluid flow rate dynamically during different phases of the scrub mode. The controller varies the fluid delivery rate based on the agitator rotation phase, stain severity, and cleaning progress, optimizing the balance between cleaning effectiveness and fluid consumption rather than maintaining a constant high flow rate.
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 scrub mode efficiently removes stubborn stains without the need for multiple passes, providing effective cleaning with reduced user effort and time.
Implementation Method 1
an agitator configured to rotate in a first direction and in a second direction to agitate the surface to be cleaned
Implementation Method 2
rotation of the agitator in the first direction for at least a first plurality of revolutions followed by a first braking interval and counter-rotation of the agitator in the second direction
Implementation Method 3
a fluid delivery system configured to deliver a cleaning fluid
Implementation Method 4
a housing including a suction inlet for drawing in liquid, debris and air
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus includes a supply tank, a fluid dispenser, a brushroll rotatable about an axis, a brushroll motor configured to rotate the brushroll in a forward direction about the axis and a backward direction about the axis, and a controller. The controller executes a scrub mode in which the brushroll is oscillated forward and backwards about the axis to scrub a surface to be cleaned and break up a stubborn stain on the surface.