Surface cleaning machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface cleaning machines are not optimized for easy operation and energy efficiency, particularly in accessing difficult areas, and often require complex structures and additional driving elements.

Innovation Solution

A surface cleaning machine design featuring a removable dirty fluid tank device on the cleaning head, supported by a driven cleaning roller unit with a single axis of rotation, allowing for compact and energy-saving operation without the need for additional driving elements like wheels or suction fans, and enabling independent operation with a rechargeable battery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a surface cleaning machine is supported only via the cleaning roller unit, then the design is simplified and weight is reduced, but the machine requires additional transport elements like wheels for mobility

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidmobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning roller unit is designed to serve dual functions: it acts as both the cleaning element and the transport support for the machine. The roller unit includes integrated transport elements (wheels) that enable the machine to be moved across the surface being cleaned, eliminating the need for separate transport mechanisms and simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a suction blower is used to couple dirt fluid from the cleaning roller unit, then dirt fluid can be effectively removed, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirt fluid removalVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning roller unit is designed to couple dirt fluid directly into the dirt fluid tank unit through its own rotation and structure, without requiring an external suction blower. The roller's rotation creates a scraping action that directs dirt fluid into the tank, and the tank's inlet opening is positioned to receive this dirt fluid directly, enabling the system to function with minimal additional energy-consuming components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the dirt fluid tank unit is fixed on the cleaning head, then dirt fluid can be collected, but the tank becomes difficult to empty and clean

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirt fluid collectionVSAvoidmaintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The dirt fluid tank unit is designed as a detachable component that can be separated from the cleaning head. The tank unit includes a removable lid that provides access to the interior for emptying and cleaning operations. This segmentation allows the tank to be easily maintained without disassembling the entire cleaning machine, improving serviceability while maintaining effective dirt fluid collection during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the cleaning head requires minimal space for hard-to-reach areas, then accessibility is improved, but the machine may lack stability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning head is designed with a compact configuration that allows it to access narrow and hard-to-reach areas. The cleaning roller unit can be positioned close to the cleaning fluid tank unit, and the overall structure is optimized for maneuverability. The machine maintains stability through its supported design where the cleaning roller unit rests on the surface being cleaned, providing natural support and stability during operation in confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3426121B1Surface cleaning machine
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG
  • EP3426121B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3426121B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3426121B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a surface cleaning machine which comprises a cleaning head (14) that has a driven cleaning roller unit (18) with an axis of rotation (58), wherein, during a cleaning operation, the surface cleaning machine is only supported on a surface being cleaned (16) by means of said cleaning roller unit (18), a drive motor (28) for the cleaning roller unit (18), and a dirty liquid tank arrangement (66) which is removably arranged on the cleaning head (14).