Surface cleaning machine and method for operating a surface cleaning machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface cleaning machines lack a simple structural design that provides extensive cleaning options while being easy to operate and handle, with inefficiencies in space utilization and accessibility of hard-to-reach areas.

Innovation Solution

The surface cleaning machine features a drive axis oriented transversely to the cleaning roller's axis of rotation, allowing for a space-saving design with a pivotable cleaning head, a gear mechanism for optimized roller speed, and a moistening system for enhanced cleaning efficacy, along with a suction unit for effective dirt removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the drive motor is positioned close to the cleaning roller for direct drive, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the motor loading increases and space utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidmotor loading and space utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive axis of the drive motor is oriented transversely to the axis of rotation of the cleaning roller, representing a dimensional change in the arrangement. This transverse orientation allows the motor to be positioned at a distance from the roller while still providing effective drive through the transmission device, resolving the contradiction between proximity for efficiency and distance for reduced loading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

A transmission device including a speed reducer and angular gear is introduced as an intermediary between the drive motor and the cleaning roller. This intermediary mechanism allows the motor to be positioned away from the roller, reducing motor loading and improving space utilization while still transmitting torque effectively to maintain cleaning efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cleaning head is made pivotable to access hard-to-reach areas, then the versatility is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to hard-to-reach areasVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning machine is segmented into a device body and a separately pivotable cleaning head. This segmentation allows the cleaning head to be independently pivoted about a pivot axis to access edges and corners, while the main body remains stable. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by isolating the pivoting function to a specific component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning head is made dynamically pivotable relative to the device body through a joint, allowing it to adapt its position for cleaning hard-to-reach areas. This dynamic capability is achieved through a simple joint mechanism rather than a complex articulated structure, maintaining ease of operation while improving versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If the drive motor is positioned far from the cleaning roller to save space, then the space utilization is improved, but the torque transmission efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidtorque transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A transmission device with speed reducer and angular gear acts as an intermediary to transmit torque from the drive motor to the cleaning roller over a distance. This intermediary mechanism efficiently transmits torque despite the spatial separation, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and torque transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The direct mechanical connection is replaced with a geared transmission system that can transmit torque effectively over distance. The angular gear and speed reducer substitute for direct coupling, maintaining torque transmission efficiency while enabling flexible spatial arrangement for better space utilization.

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

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

This configuration enables efficient cleaning of various surfaces, including hard floors, with improved accessibility to edges and corners, reduced motor loading, and optimized space use, while maintaining ease of operation and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a suction unit device (32) is arranged on the device body (12)... which is fluidly connected to the suction unit device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3206548B1Surface cleaning machine and method for operating a surface cleaning machine
Publication Date: 2019.01.30 ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG
  • EP3206548B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3206548B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3206548B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a surface cleaning machine, comprising a device body (12), on which a suction assembly device (32) is arranged, a cleaning head (14), on which at least one cleaning roller (18) is arranged, and on which at least one suction opening (54) is positioned, which is fluidically connected to the suction assembly device (32) and allocated to the at least one cleaning roller (18), and a drive device (76) for rotational driving of the at least one cleaning roller (18), wherein a drive axis (82) of a drive motor (78) of the drive device (76) and a rotation axis (68) of the at least one cleaning roller (18) are oriented crosswise and in particular perpendicular to each other.