Surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface cleaning apparatuses require separate machines for vacuuming and extracting cleaning solutions, leading to inefficiencies and increased storage needs, as they are not designed to handle both dry and wet cleaning modes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus that operates in both vacuum and extractor modes, featuring a liquid distribution system, a momentum separator for liquids, and a cyclone separator for solids, allowing for sequential treatment stages with the liquid stage positioned below the solid stage to reduce energy consumption and footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single apparatus is designed to perform both vacuum and extractor functions, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with a universal cleaning head that can perform both vacuuming and extracting functions. The cleaning head includes a liquid distribution system with spray nozzles for applying cleaning solutions, while the separation system can handle both dry particulate matter and liquid extraction, allowing one device to replace traditional separate vacuum and extractor machines
Solution Approach 2:
The separation system is divided into two distinct stages: a first treatment stage (momentum separator) for liquid removal and a second treatment stage (cyclone separator) for solid particulate matter removal. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific function while working together in a integrated system
2Use of energy by moving object
If the liquid treatment stage is positioned below the solid particulate matter treatment stage, then energy consumption is reduced, but device footprint is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment stages are arranged in a vertical configuration rather than horizontal. The first treatment stage for liquid removal is positioned at a lower elevation, and the second treatment stage for solid particulate matter is positioned at a higher elevation. This vertical stacking reduces the horizontal footprint of the apparatus while minimizing the energy required to move separated liquids downward by gravity
3Device complexity
If separate machines are used for vacuuming and extracting, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus merges previously separate vacuum and extractor functions into a single integrated system. The cleaning head combines air intake for vacuuming with liquid distribution systems for extracting, allowing simultaneous or sequential performance of both functions without requiring separate machines, thereby improving cleaning productivity
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
Enables a single apparatus to efficiently vacuum and extract cleaning solutions from surfaces, reducing energy requirements and storage needs by integrating both functions into a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The first treatment stage may be designed to remove liquid from an air stream (e.g., a momentum separator)
Implementation Method 2
The second treatment stage may be designed to remove solid particulate matter from the air stream (e.g., one or more cyclones in parallel)
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus, such as an extractor, has a separation stage comprising a separator and a separated liquid container in communication with a separated element outlet of the separator. When the surface cleaning apparatus is in a vertical orientation, the separated liquid container has a first portion underlying the separator, a second portion laterally spaced from the first portion and positioned below the separator and a third portion positioned above the second portion, and the third portion has a volume that is at least 80% of a volume of the first portion.