Surface cleaning apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface cleaning apparatuses, such as extraction cleaners, face challenges in efficiently delivering and recovering cleaning fluids and debris from surfaces, particularly in terms of user-friendly design and effective separation of fluids and debris during the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
The surface cleaning apparatus features a housing with an upright assembly and base assembly, including a fluid container, fluid distributor, working air path, recovery container, suction source, and a pedal assembly that allows pivotal motion, enabling efficient fluid delivery, recovery, and debris separation through a suction nozzle and agitator system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upright assembly is made movable relative to the base assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upright assembly is made movable relative to the base assembly through a pedal-actuated release mechanism. The pedal can be depressed to release the upright from the base, allowing it to be moved independently for storage or transport, while a spring mechanism automatically returns the pedal to its engaged position when released, maintaining operational stability during use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the working air path is routed through the housing, then structural integration is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into separate components: a base assembly and an upright assembly that can be manufactured independently and then assembled together. The working air path is routed through these separate housing portions, allowing each component to be manufactured separately with simpler tooling and assembly processes.
3Reliability
If the pedal assembly includes multiple arm members and a sliding latch, then reliability of the locking mechanism is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal assembly incorporates a spring mechanism that automatically returns the pedal to its engaged, locked position with the base assembly after being depressed. This self-returning mechanism ensures reliable locking without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, while the sliding latch provides a simple yet effective engagement feature.
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 design enhances the effectiveness of cleaning by allowing for easy movement and fluid delivery, efficient debris removal, and user-friendly operation, improving the overall cleaning process by ensuring effective separation and collection of cleaning fluids and debris.
Implementation Method 1
a source of suction in fluid communication with the working air conduit to draw the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and the working air conduit to the recovery tank
Implementation Method 2
a biasing mechanism configured to bias the sliding latch into the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a housing including an upright assembly and a base assembly moveably mounted to the upright assembly, the upright assembly forming a stalk, a fluid container provided on the housing, a fluid distributor provided in the base assembly in fluid communication with the fluid container, a working air path through the housing, a recovery container provided on the housing and defining a portion of the working air path, a suction source provided on the housing and defining a portion of the working air path, a suction nozzle provided on the base assembly.