Surface Treating Implement Locking and Valve Control for Canister Fitment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning implements often lead to incorrect container fitment, potentially causing damage and user exposure to unintended substances, and lack effective control over fluid dispensation during cleaning operations.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning implement with a container receiver and nozzle assembly featuring a valve and locking mechanism, operated by a container member, which prevents over-rotation and ensures secure attachment of an aerosol canister, and includes a handle with an activation mechanism for controlled dispensing of cleaning compositions, combined with a variety of brushing means for enhanced cleaning efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple container fitment system is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to incorrect container attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The container member and receiving orifice are designed with asymmetric geometries including bayonet projections and complementary recesses. This asymmetry ensures that the container can only be attached in the correct orientation, preventing incorrect fitment while maintaining ease of operation through a simple attachment motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides mechanical feedback through engagement of the bayonet projection with the receiving orifice. This feedback confirms correct container attachment through a positive locking action, ensuring reliability while keeping the operation simple and intuitive.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent incorrect fitment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the container attachment structure itself. The bayonet projection and receiving orifice are integrated into the container and implement body respectively, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex multi-component locking system, the invention inverts the approach by using the container's own geometry (bayonet projection) as the locking element. This simplifies the device by making the container structure itself provide the locking function rather than adding external complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a valve mechanism is included for controlled dispensing, then control over fluid dispensation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is designed to be actuated by the same container attachment motion that secures the container to the implement. This multi-functional approach allows a single user action to both attach the container and activate the valve for fluid dispensing, improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is pre-positioned and configured within the implement body so that the container attachment motion directly actuates it. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the controlling action is built into the attachment process itself, providing fluid dispensation control without requiring separate complex activation mechanisms.
4Reliability
If over-rotation prevention is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet projection and receiving orifice are designed with asymmetric features including stops and complementary geometries that physically prevent over-rotation. This asymmetric design ensures the container can only be rotated to the correct position, improving reliability without adding complex rotation control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism includes built-in stops and engagement features that prevent over-rotation before it can cause damage. These features are designed in advance into the container and implement structure, providing protective cushioning against incorrect assembly while maintaining simplicity.
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 solution prevents incorrect container attachment, ensures safe operation, and provides improved control over fluid dispensation and cleaning efficacy, particularly in fabric and carpet surfaces by facilitating better foam formation and soil removal.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid conduit includes a valve, wherein the valve is operable by a container member attached to and/or extending from the container
Implementation Method 2
the fluid reservoir comprises a compressed system and is thus best served by a replaceable aerosol canister. Such canisters allow for the delivery of cleaning formulations under pressure thus aiding foam formation which can be beneficial and/or carpet fibre penetration
Data Source
AI summary
A surface treating implement, comprises a body including:—a container receiver;a nozzle assembly comprising a fluid conduit fluidly connected to the container receiver;a container mounted to the container receiver, containing a predetermined amount of a treating composition and having a dispensing opening in fluid communication with the fluid conduit;wherein the body is associated with a handle which includes at least a portion of an activation means for the implement, characterized in that the fluid conduit includes a valve, wherein the valve is operable by a container member attached to and/or extending from the container, adjacent the dispensing opening. The body of the implement includes a variety of brushing means.