Surface Cleaning Extractor with Movement-Based Suction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning devices, such as wet extractors, rely on user interaction to distribute cleaning solutions, leading to potential over or under application and user fatigue due to continuous trigger actuation.
Innovation Solution
A triggerless surface cleaning device with a controller and encoder system that automatically controls cleaning solution distribution based on user-initiated movement, independent of continuous user input, using a base with a handle and suction motor to distribute and recover cleaning solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user directly activates cleaning solution distribution via trigger mechanism, then cleaning solution can be applied to surface, but user fatigue occurs due to prolonged trigger actuation and misestimation of cleaning solution amount occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically controls cleaning solution distribution based on detected base movement, eliminating the need for continuous user trigger actuation. The controller monitors movement sensors and autonomously activates the cleaning solution pump when forward movement is detected, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring constant user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses movement sensors to detect base movement and provides feedback to the controller, which then adjusts cleaning solution distribution accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures cleaning solution is applied only when appropriate (during forward movement) and prevents over or under application that would occur with manual trigger control.
2Extent of automation
If automated movement detection is implemented, then cleaning solution distribution is automated, but device complexity increases due to encoder and controller system
Solution Approach 1:
The movement detection system serves multiple functions: it detects forward movement to trigger cleaning solution distribution, detects reverse movement to stop distribution, and provides operational status information to the controller. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate triggers and controls for each function.
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 solution ensures consistent and efficient cleaning solution application without user fatigue, reducing errors in solution distribution and improving operational efficiency by automating the distribution process.
Implementation Method 1
a suction motor configured to generate a suction airflow through the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
an encoder operable to generate an encoder signal as a first signal based on user-initiated movement of the base along the surface in a forward direction and as a second signal based on user-initiated movement of the base along the surface in a rearward direction
Data Source
AI summary
An extractor is provided. The extractor comprises: a base movable along a surface; a handle configured to be gripped by a user to move the base; a nozzle in fluid communication with a suction motor configured to generate a suction airflow through the nozzle; an encoder operable to generate an encoder signal as a first signal based on user-initiated movement of the base along the surface in a forward direction and as a second signal based on movement in a rearward direction; and a controller operatively connected to the encoder and the suction motor, the controller being configured to change a power to the suction motor to a forward power level based on the first signal during operation of the extractor and to a rearward power level based on the second signal during operation of the extractor, wherein the forward power level is less than the rearward power level.