Surface cleaning machine comprising a tank device for dirty fluid

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Surface cleaning machines lack effective mechanisms to prevent overfilling of dirty fluid tanks, leading to unsatisfactory cleaning results and potential recontamination of cleaned surfaces due to overflowing liquid, which can damage floor coverings.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a probe device, such as a resistance measuring or electrode device, to determine the degree of fill in the dirty fluid tank, preventing continued operation when a predetermined level is reached and facilitating safe and spill-free emptying, thereby preventing overfilling and recontamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If no probe device is provided in the tank device, then the device complexity is low and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the tank device cannot detect fill level and may overflow causing recontamination of cleaned surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of overfilling and recontaminationVSAvoidcomplexity of tank device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical level detection mechanisms with a simple electrical resistance measurement system. Two probes extend into the tank device, and when liquid reaches a certain level, it creates an electrical connection between the probes, triggering a sensor to detect the fill level and prevent overflow. This electrical field-based detection method is far simpler than mechanical float systems or other complex mechanical level indicators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electrical circuit as an intermediary between the liquid level and the control system. The probes and wiring act as intermediaries that translate the physical liquid level into an electrical signal that can be processed by the control system, enabling automatic detection and prevention of overfilling without direct mechanical interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a probe device is added to detect fill level, then overfilling and recontamination are prevented, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecontamination of cleaned surfaceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of surface cleaning machine

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive, simple components for the probe device - basic electrical probes, wiring, and a sensor that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. These components are far cheaper than complex mechanical level detection systems, making the overall manufacturing cost increase minimal while providing reliable overfill prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing expensive and complex mechanical level detection mechanisms with simple electrical resistance measurement, the patent significantly reduces manufacturing costs. The electrical components required are inexpensive and mass-producible, making the solution cost-effective compared to mechanical alternatives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the tank device is designed to hold more dirty fluid, then the cleaning machine can operate longer without emptying, but the risk of overflow and recontamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation time of cleaning machineVSAvoidrisk of overflow and recontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the sensor continuously monitors the liquid level in the tank device and provides feedback to the control system. When the liquid reaches a predetermined level, the sensor triggers an alarm or automatic shutdown, preventing overflow. This feedback mechanism allows the tank to be filled to optimal levels for extended operation while maintaining safety margins to prevent recontamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 effectively prevents overfilling and recontamination by ensuring the tank is emptied without spills, maintaining the cleanliness of the surface and preventing damage to floor coverings, while being simple to configure and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

the probe device to be configured as a resistance measuring device... by measuring the current or resistance. If, for example, a particular degree of fill is reached and liquid (dirty fluid) is present between probes of the probe device, then a current can flow via the dirty fluid between the probes. This manifests itself in a change in resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20220022720A1Surface cleaning machine comprising a tank device for dirty fluid

Publication Date: 2022.01.27 ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a surface cleaning machine, including a cleaning head having at least one cleaning roller unit which is driven for rotary movement, and a tank device for dirty fluid, wherein a probe device is provided for determining a degree of fill of the tank device for dirty fluid.