Surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-surface vacuum cleaners lack an efficient self-cleaning mode for unattended operation, which is essential for maintaining the apparatus's performance and hygiene, especially after prolonged use on diverse surfaces like tile, hardwood, carpet, and upholstery.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus with a rechargeable battery-powered system that includes a self-cleaning mode, where the pump, brushroll motor, and vacuum motor are energized to initiate an automatic cleanout cycle, allowing for unattended operation, fluid extraction, and nozzle flushing, ensuring continuous cleanliness and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-cleaning mode is added to the vacuum cleaner, then the apparatus's hygiene and performance maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control systems and coordinated motor operations
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner is designed to clean itself automatically through a self-cleaning mode that activates the pump, brushroll motor, and vacuum motor in coordination to flush the recovery pathway and extract debris from the brushroll, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The self-cleaning mode performs maintenance actions before the apparatus is stored or used again, automatically flushing the recovery pathway and cleaning the brushroll to prevent clogs and maintain optimal performance for subsequent cleaning tasks
2Productivity
If the pump, brushroll motor, and vacuum motor are energized simultaneously for self-cleaning, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-cleaning mode operates in periodic cycles where the pump, brushroll motor, and vacuum motor are energized sequentially rather than continuously, with the controller activating each motor for specific durations to achieve thorough cleaning while minimizing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinated operation of multiple motors maintains continuous useful action throughout the self-cleaning cycle, with the pump delivering cleaning fluid, the brushroll agitating debris, and the vacuum motor extracting contaminants simultaneously to maximize cleaning efficiency within the energized period
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 self-cleaning mode effectively maintains the apparatus's efficiency and hygiene by automatically cleaning the brushroll and recovery pathway, preventing clogs and ensuring optimal performance during subsequent cleaning tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a pump in fluid communication with the supply tank
Implementation Method 2
a source of suction in fluid communication with the working air conduit to draw the cleaning fluid from the surface
Implementation Method 3
a rechargeable battery operably connected to at least one controller
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus includes an upright body and a base adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned, a fluid delivery system, and a recovery system. The surface cleaning apparatus can be configured to clean multiple surfaces, including hard and soft surfaces, and for different cleaning modes, including wet cleaning, dry vacuum cleaning, and self-cleaning. Methods for self-cleaning a surface cleaning apparatus are also provided.