Surface-Heated Extraction Cleaning to Prevent Solution Heat Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Upright extraction cleaning machines face inefficiencies due to heat loss in the cleaning solution as it travels from the heater to the surface, reducing the effectiveness of dirt removal.
Innovation Solution
A portable cleaning apparatus with a heating element integrated into the base module that heats the surface concurrently with the application of cleaning liquid, using electricity, heated air, or heated liquid to maintain the temperature of the cleaning solution and surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cleaning solution is heated with an in-line heater or immersion heater prior to deposition, then the solubility of dirt in the cleaning solution is increased, but the cleaning solution cools during travel from the heater to the surface and upon contact with the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is positioned to heat the surface before the cleaning solution is applied, rather than heating the solution in advance. This preliminary heating of the surface ensures that the solution maintains its temperature effectiveness upon contact, eliminating the cooling problem that occurs during travel and contact with a cooler surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of heating the cleaning solution before application (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by heating the surface first. This reversal of the heating target (from solution to surface) fundamentally solves the heat loss problem during solution travel and contact.
2Ease of operation
If the cleaning solution travels from the heater to the surface, then the cleaning solution is deposited on the surface, but heat is lost during travel reducing cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The surface is heated in advance before the cleaning solution arrives. This preliminary surface heating ensures that when the solution is delivered to the surface, it immediately contacts a warm surface that prevents rapid cooling, maintaining the solution's temperature and cleaning effectiveness throughout the delivery process.
3Duration of action of moving object
If additional cooling occurs between cleaning solution contact with surface and extraction, then cleaning effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By heating the surface before solution application, the surface acts as a heat reservoir that prevents cooling during the entire contact and extraction process. This preliminary heating maintains thermal conditions throughout the extended duration of cleaning action.
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
Enhances cleaning effectiveness by maintaining the temperature of the cleaning solution and surface, improving dirt removal and drying efficiency compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the heating element is heated by electricity
Implementation Method 2
heating the surface; applying a cleaning fluid to the surface... the heating step takes place prior to the step of applying the cleaning liquid to the surface to raise the heat content of the cleaning fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Extraction surface cleaning wherein a cleaning liquid is applied to a surface to be cleaned and extracted to remove the soiled cleaning fluid from the surface, and the surface is heated prior to or concurrent with the application of the cleaning fluid to the surface. A method and apparatus are disclosed.