Surface cleaning machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Extractor cleaning machines face challenges in seamlessly switching between floor-cleaning and hose-cleaning modes due to the need for effective conversion mechanisms that manage airflow and fluid communication between suction nozzles and recovery tanks.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning machine with a pivotable handle and a conversion mechanism that includes a valve member and actuator, allowing for selective fluid communication between the suction nozzle and collection chamber, enabling efficient switching between floor-cleaning and hose-cleaning modes by moving the valve member between open and closed positions based on the handle's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conversion mechanism is used to switch between floor-cleaning and hose-cleaning modes, then the machine's versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the floor-cleaning and hose-cleaning modes into a single machine by integrating a conversion mechanism that allows the recovery tank to serve dual purposes: collecting debris during floor cleaning and functioning as a water reservoir during hose cleaning, thereby reducing the need for separate equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion mechanism employs dynamic components including a pivotable handle that transitions between positions, a movable valve member that switches fluid pathways, and an actuator that responds to handle movement, enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on the selected cleaning mode
2Reliability
If a valve member and actuator are used to control fluid communication, then the airflow management is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to be automatically actuated by the movement of the handle itself, which directly engages the actuator through an actuating surface. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate control systems, buttons, or electronic components, thereby improving reliability while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary mechanical element that translates the physical movement of the handle into corresponding valve position changes, providing a reliable mechanical linkage that ensures proper airflow management without requiring complex electronic control systems
3Ease of operation
If the handle is made pivotable for mode switching, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable handle serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support component, a mode selection mechanism, and an actuator trigger. By making the handle multi-functional, the patent improves ease of operation without requiring additional separate controls or mechanisms
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 maximized suction during hose use and effective airflow paths for both floor and hose cleaning, enhancing the machine's versatility and cleaning efficiency by maintaining optimal suction and fluid management.
Implementation Method 1
a suction source and a removable recovery tank. The recovery tank defines a collection chamber in fluid communication with the suction source
Implementation Method 2
a valve member that is moveable between a closed position where the valve substantially prevents fluid communication between the suction nozzle and the collection chamber and an open position that affords fluid communication
Implementation Method 3
As the handle is moved from the inclined floor-cleaning position to the hose-use position, the actuating surface contacts the actuator to move the actuator toward the second position and the actuator moves the valve member toward the closed position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An extractor-type surface cleaning machine includes a base or foot having a suction nozzle and a handle that is pivotally coupled to the foot and moveable between upright and inclined positions. The recovery tank is removably securable to the foot and fluidly communicates with the suction nozzle and the accessory. The recovery tank defines a collection chamber and a passage having an inlet in communication with the suction nozzle and an outlet. A valve member is moveable between a closed position substantially covering the outlet and an open position. Movement of the handle to the upright position moves the valve member to the closed position to block the passage during cleaning with the accessory hose. Movement of the handle to the inclined position allows movement of the valve member to the open position so that suction from the collection chamber is communicated to the suction nozzle for floor cleaning.