Surface-cleaning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated cleaning machines are not well-suited for automatically cleaning barbecue grills, as they cannot withstand the heat generated by a recently used grill and do not provide a means to easily navigate around obstructions or easily replace cleaning elements.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning device with a heat-resistant enclosure, rotatable brushes, and a circuit that alternates motor direction to navigate around obstructions, along with a power source and indicator for preset cleaning times, allowing for easy use, maintenance, and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If prior art floor cleaning machines are used on barbecue grills, then cleaning automation is achieved, but the device cannot withstand the heat generated by a recently used grill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the enclosure from standard plastic to heat-resistant plastic, allowing the device to withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This parameter change enables the automated cleaning device to operate on recently used grills without being damaged by heat.
2Productivity
If the device runs continuously in one direction, then cleaning coverage is maximized, but the device becomes stuck at obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic reversal of motor direction through a timer-controlled circuit. The motor operates in one direction for a preset time period, then automatically reverses direction. This periodic action allows the device to navigate around obstructions by turning around when blocked, maintaining both cleaning coverage and reliability.
3Device complexity
If cleaning brushes are permanently attached, then device structure is simplified, but replacement of worn brushes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the brush assembly into separate, detachable components. Each brush can be independently removed and replaced by detaching it from the motor shaft, while the rest of the device remains intact. This segmentation maintains relatively simple device structure while enabling easy maintenance and brush replacement.
4Weight of moving object
If the device is designed for portability, then storage becomes easier, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, lightweight materials and basic mechanical components that can be manufactured with standard tolerances. The use of simple switches, basic motors, and straightforward electrical circuits reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining portability and functionality.
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 device effectively cleans barbecue grills or other surfaces for a preset time, withstands grill heat, and prevents getting stuck on obstructions, while being easy to use, manufacture, and maintain, with detachable brushes and contact pads.
Implementation Method 1
one or more motors having one or more rotational shafts selectively fixable with one or more rotatable brushes
Implementation Method 2
The one or more rotatable brushes have a plurality of bristles. At least a portion of bristles of each brush projects below a plane of the lower side of the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A device for cleaning a surface (e.g., a barbeque grill, etc.) generally includes an enclosure having at least a lower side, an upper side, and a peripheral edge. The device includes one or more motors having one or more rotational shafts selectively fixable with one or more rotatable brushes. The one or more rotatable brushes have a plurality of bristles. At least a portion of bristles projects below a plane of the lower side of the enclosure. The device also includes a circuit adapted for connecting power from a power source to the one or more motors for a preset period of time upon actuation of an electrical switch connected thereto. The circuit is adapted to run the one or more motors in a first direction and then an opposing direction, such that if the device becomes stuck at an obstruction, it will eventually turn around due to the alternating directions of the one or more motors.