Treatment device for walkable surfaces, as for example floors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current floor cleaning devices using cold water and bristle brushes are ineffective for sanitizing and drying surfaces, leading to inefficient water distribution and prolonged drying times due to inadequate suction systems.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotating cylindrical tool equipped with an absorbent coating and microfiber fabric, heated by steam or electrical resistance, and a moisture sensor to control water application and vacuum suction for simultaneous cleaning, sanitizing, and drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cold water and bristle brushes are used for cleaning floors, then the cleaning apparatus can operate with simple structure, but the cleaning action is limited to cleaning only without sanitizing capability and water distribution is heterogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the cleaning system from cold water to hot water operation, utilizing temperature as a critical parameter change. The water heater raises water temperature to enable sanitizing capability while maintaining the basic brush cleaning mechanism, thus achieving both simplicity and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite cleaning elements combining brushes with absorbent materials that can withstand hot water. This composite approach allows the system to utilize hot water for sanitizing while maintaining effective mechanical cleaning action.
2Device complexity
If bristle brushes are used to distribute water, then the device structure remains simple, but water is distributed in a heterogeneous way and wasted in great quantity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces absorbent elements with localized water absorption and release properties positioned around the brushes. These elements create zones of controlled water distribution, ensuring water is applied only where needed on the floor surface, eliminating heterogeneous distribution and waste.
3Productivity
If a suction unit is used to collect water from the floor, then the device can remove excess water, but the floor remains very wet after cleaning and requires long time of drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary water absorption action through heated absorbent elements that pre-remove moisture from the floor surface during the cleaning pass itself. This preliminary drying action occurs before the floor would naturally dry, dramatically reducing post-cleaning drying time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes temperature as a critical parameter, employing heated elements that both clean and dry the floor simultaneously. The heat parameter enables rapid evaporation and drying of the floor surface, transforming the drying process from a time-consuming post-cleaning step to an integrated part of the cleaning operation.
4Device complexity
If no water dosing system is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but water is wasted in great quantity and distribution is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs absorbent elements that automatically regulate water distribution through their inherent absorption and release properties. These elements self-dose water to the floor surface based on actual needs, eliminating the requirement for complex mechanical dosing systems while preventing water waste.
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 device effectively sanitizes and dries surfaces by optimizing water distribution and absorption, reducing drying time through controlled moisture levels and efficient suction, while maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
heated by steam or electrical resistance
Implementation Method 2
heated by steam or electrical resistance
Implementation Method 3
rotating cylindrical tool equipped with an absorbent coating
Implementation Method 4
absorbent coating and microfiber fabric
Implementation Method 5
vacuum suction for simultaneous cleaning, sanitizing, and drying
Data Source
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AI summary
Hand-guided treatment device (15) adapted to clean, to sanitize and to dry such surfaces (19)and comprising a guiding body (16) joined below, through an articulated element (14), to a unit(18) for cleaning, sanitizing and drying such surfaces (19), said unit (18) comprising a component elements assembly (33), in turn being being substantially constituted by at least a first cleaning, sanitizing and drying rotating motorized means (36), by one or more wetting and heating means (37) of said first rotating means (36), by at least a second cleaning means (38) of said first cleaning means (36), by at least a container (40, 52) for collecting the filth, by at least a sensor means (39) for detecting the moisture of the coating element (44) of said first rotating motorized means (36).