Surface cleaning machine having a damping device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning machines lack optimized operating characteristics, particularly in the integration of fluid application and suction operations, leading to inefficiencies and complex control systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pressure-controlled switch that opens or closes the fluid path to the cleaning roller based on suction operation, eliminating the need for pumps and solenoid valves, and utilizing a distributor and gap channels for uniform liquid application, allowing gravity-driven fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pump and solenoid valves are used to control fluid application to the cleaning roller, then precise control of cleaning liquid application is achieved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suction unit device itself controls the fluid application process by generating negative pressure that automatically opens the pressure-controlled switch when suction operates, eliminating the need for external pumps and solenoid valves. The system uses its own operational state (suction) to trigger fluid delivery without additional control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure control where the suction flow generates negative pressure that acts on the pressure-controlled switch membrane, causing it to open and close the fluid path. This pneumatic actuation replaces mechanical pump and valve systems with a pressure-based control mechanism.
2Quantity of substance
If a pump is used to deliver cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller, then consistent fluid application is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction unit device uses its own operational state to drive fluid application. When the suction fan operates and generates negative pressure, this same negative pressure automatically opens the pressure-controlled switch, allowing cleaning liquid to flow without requiring a separate pump or additional energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the control function from the fluid delivery system and integrates it into the suction system. The suction unit's negative pressure is extracted and used to control the fluid path opening, eliminating the need for a dedicated pump and reducing overall energy consumption.
3Device complexity
If gravity-driven fluid delivery is used instead of a pump, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision over fluid application may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-controlled switch provides feedback-based control where the suction unit's negative pressure state directly controls the fluid path opening. When suction operates (negative pressure present), the switch opens and fluid flows; when suction stops, the switch closes and fluid flow stops. This creates an automatic feedback loop that ensures fluid application occurs only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from mechanical (pump speed, valve position) to pressure-based. The pressure-controlled switch responds to changes in negative pressure magnitude, opening when sufficient negative pressure is present and closing when it drops, thereby controlling fluid application through pressure parameter variations rather than mechanical adjustments.
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 solution simplifies the design, reduces energy consumption, and ensures consistent cleaning liquid application over the cleaning roller's length, enhancing cleaning efficiency without additional control mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one pressure-controlled switch going into the open position and/or holding the open position when negative pressure is applied caused by a suction flow in the at least one suction channel
Implementation Method 2
allowing gravity-driven fluid delivery
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a surface cleaning machine comprising at least one cleaning roller (18), a drive device (76) for rotationally driving the at least one cleaning roller (18), a damping device (116) for applying a cleaning liquid to the at least one cleaning roller (18), and a suction unit mechanism (32) for producing a suction flow, fluidically connected to at least one suction channel (44) and at least one suction outlet (54) which is associated with the at least one cleaning roller (18). The damping device (116) comprises at least one one pressure-controlled switch (118) which, in an open position, releases a fluid path (146) for cleaning liquid to the at least one cleaning roller (18), and, in a closed position, blocks the fluid path (146). The at least one pressure-controlled switch (118) is pressure-coupled to the at least one suction channel (44). The at least one pressure-controlled switch (118) moves to the open position and/or maintains the open position when negative pressure is applied by a suction flow in the at least one suction channel (44).