Surface Cleaning Apparatus Valve for Adjustable Fluid Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wet vacuum cleaners lack a simple method to control the flow of fluid emitted onto surfaces, affecting cleaning efficiency and surface drying times.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus with a valve that regulates fluid flow, allowing for two or more cleaning modes by adjusting the flow rate through a moveable member between different positions, enabling user-selectable fluid dispensing and recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If no valve is provided to control fluid flow, then the structure is simple, but the cleaning efficiency and surface drying time are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is made movable between different positions (first position for high flow rate, second position for low flow rate) to dynamically adjust fluid flow control. This allows the system to adapt to different cleaning requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve changes the flow rate parameter by moving the valve member between positions, thereby altering the flow characteristics without requiring complex control mechanisms. This enables flexible fluid flow control while keeping the device structure simple.
2Productivity
If high fluid flow rate is used for thorough cleaning, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but surface drying time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member can be moved between first and second positions to dynamically switch between high flow rate (for thorough cleaning) and low flow rate (for faster drying), allowing users to adapt to different cleaning scenarios and surface conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the valve member position, the system adjusts the fluid flow rate parameter to match cleaning needs. High flow rate enables thorough cleaning of heavily soiled areas, while low flow rate is suitable for lightly soiled areas or when faster drying is required.
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus including, a fluid storage container; an outlet for directing fluid from the fluid storage container onto a surface to be cleaned; and a valve configured to regulate the flow of fluid from the fluid storage container to the outlet and including: a body; and a member being moveable relative to the body between a first position and a second position and defining a flow path extending through a surface thereof; wherein the flow of fluid through the valve flows at a first rate when the member is in the first position and at a second rate and along the flow path when the member is in the second position, the second rate of flow being lower than the first rate of flow.