Surface cleaning device and concentrated steam shot accessory for surface cleaning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning devices are inadequate for removing stubborn stains like oil stains from hard surfaces, as they rely solely on steam retention and are not effective for hard surfaces such as tiles and kitchen surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A concentrated steam shot accessory with a steam concentrating channel and a metal nozzle that accelerates steam, allowing for a stronger flushing effect to remove stains, combined with optional brush accessories for enhanced cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a steam brush head with multiple steam shot holes is used, then steam can be applied to soft surfaces like fabrics, but the cleaning effectiveness on hard surfaces with stubborn stains is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized steam shot accessory with a tapered hole section that concentrates steam flow in a specific direction. The tapered geometry (wider at the inlet, narrower at the outlet) creates a jet effect that delivers high-velocity steam directly onto stubborn stains on hard surfaces, rather than distributing steam broadly across soft surfaces. This localized concentration of steam energy resolves the contradiction by providing targeted, high-intensity steam application where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of steam delivery by using a tapered hole section that transforms the steam flow characteristics. The tapering geometry converts pressure into velocity, creating a high-speed steam jet. This parameter change (from distributed low-velocity steam to concentrated high-velocity steam) enables effective cleaning of hard surfaces with stubborn stains while maintaining compatibility with the existing steam generation system.
2Ease of operation
If steam is retained in the cleaning chamber for soft surface cleaning, then the device can clean fabrics and carpets, but the steam lacks the force to remove stubborn stains from hard surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a movable, adjustable steam shot accessory that can be attached or detached from the wand. The tapered hole section dynamically converts static steam pressure into kinetic energy, creating a high-velocity jet. This dynamic transformation provides the necessary flushing power for stubborn stains on hard surfaces while maintaining the simplicity of operation through easy attachment and detachment of the accessory.
3Device complexity
If a single-function steam mode is used, then the device is simple to operate, but it cannot handle both soft and hard surface cleaning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a steam shot accessory that can be attached to the existing steam cleaner to provide enhanced steam jet functionality. The same accessory system can be used for both soft surfaces (with the tapered hole oriented for gentler steam application) and hard surfaces (with the tapered hole oriented for high-velocity jetting). This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by enabling a single device to handle diverse cleaning requirements without adding complex separate systems.
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 accessory effectively removes stubborn stains from hard surfaces by increasing steam speed and concentration, extending the cleaning capabilities of surface cleaning devices to include hard surfaces like cooking hobs and kitchen hoods.
Implementation Method 1
a tapered hole section, tapered toward the steam outlet, between the steam inlet and the steam outlet
Implementation Method 2
The concentrated steam shot accessory is configured such that the steam outlet faces toward a to-be-cleaned surface in an unobstructed manner along a shooting direction
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory for a surface cleaning device includes a steam inlet connected to a steam supply interface of the surface cleaning device. A shot accessory housing that has a rear end is connected to a main body of the surface cleaning device. A steam concentrating channel member is provided inside the shot accessory housing. The steam concentrating channel member includes a channel that extends along a linear channel axis. A front end of the channel forms a steam outlet and a rear end of the channel forms the steam inlet. A tapered hole section is located between the steam inlet and the steam outlet and is tapered toward the steam outlet. The accessory is configured such that the steam outlet faces a to-be-cleaned surface in an unobstructed manner along a shooting direction.