Tool for the cleaning of surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface cleaning tools lack accuracy and precision in detecting and reporting the degree of surface cleaning, relying on operator intervention which is prone to human error.

Innovation Solution

A tool equipped with an electronic detection device that automatically generates data on cleaning parameters such as position, area covered, distance, working time, and cleaning efficiency, allowing for objective detection and real-time updating of cleaning operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If operator intervention is used to detect and report cleaning activities, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision and reliability of cleaning detection are extremely inaccurate and imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precision of cleaning activitiesVSAvoidcomplexity of detection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual operator-based detection system with an electronic detection device that automatically tracks cleaning activities. The electronic device uses sensors and processing units to detect cleaning parameters such as position, speed, time, and area covered, substituting human observation and reporting with automated electronic measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning tool becomes self-monitoring through the integrated electronic detection device that automatically records and reports cleaning activities without requiring operator intervention. The system performs self-detection of cleaning parameters and self-reporting of cleaning status, eliminating the need for manual tracking and reporting by operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If continuous operator reporting is implemented to update cleaning activities, then the information coverage is improved, but the productivity is reduced due to continuous interruptions in cleaning operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completeness of cleaning activitiesVSAvoidcleaning operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic detection device enables continuous monitoring of cleaning activities without interrupting the cleaning process. The device continuously tracks position, speed, and other parameters throughout the entire cleaning operation, providing uninterrupted data collection that maintains both information completeness and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback on cleaning activities through automatic detection and reporting. The electronic device continuously monitors cleaning progress and provides immediate feedback on area covered, time elapsed, and cleaning status, eliminating the need for periodic operator reporting interruptions while maintaining continuous information flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If manual tracking and reporting by operator is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of cleaning detection is subject to human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of cleaning detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of monitoring system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the unreliable manual operator tracking system with a reliable electronic detection device that objectively measures cleaning parameters. The electronic system eliminates human error by using sensors and automated processing to accurately detect position, speed, time, and area covered, providing consistent and reliable data throughout the cleaning process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4049577B1Tool for the cleaning of surfaces
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 HYGENIA SRL
  • EP4049577B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4049577B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The tool (1) for the cleaning of surfaces comprises: - at least one cleaning device (20) movable by an operator on a work surface (F) to be cleaned in at least one area of use; - at least one electronic detection device (5) associated with the cleaning device (20) and configured to generate at least one datum representative of the cleaning of the work surface (F), the at least one representative datum comprises at least one of: a datum of position of the cleaning device (20) in the area of use, a datum of space covered, a datum of work surface (F) covered, a datum of distance of the cleaning device (20) from the work surface (F), a datum of working time, a datum of dwelling time in the area of use and a datum of cleaning efficiency.