Surface cleaning device with triggerless fluid distribution mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning devices, such as wet extractors, rely on user interaction to distribute cleaning solutions, leading to potential over or under application and user fatigue due to continuous trigger actuation.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning device with a controller and encoder system that initiates and controls cleaning solution distribution based on user-initiated movement, independent of continuous user interaction, using a base with wheels and a liquid distribution system to automatically manage solution application during forward and reverse motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user directly activates distribution of cleaning solution via trigger or button, then user can control solution application, but user fatigue occurs during prolonged use and misestimation of solution amount happens
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the encoder to detect wheel rotation and automatically controls the liquid distribution system based on movement detection, making the system self-regulating without requiring continuous user intervention via trigger or button
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder provides feedback signals to the controller based on wheel rotation detection, enabling the controller to automatically adjust liquid distribution based on actual device movement and direction changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If trigger mechanism is used for solution distribution control, then user has direct control, but continuous actuation leads to user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically controls liquid distribution based on encoder-detected wheel rotation without requiring continuous trigger actuation, eliminating user fatigue while maintaining control adaptability through movement-based activation
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical trigger system is replaced with an automated electronic control system using encoder and controller to detect movement and regulate liquid distribution automatically
3Ease of operation
If manual trigger actuation is required, then user can stop solution distribution, but inconsistent application results occur due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder continuously monitors wheel rotation and provides feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts liquid distribution to match actual device movement, ensuring consistent and accurate solution application
Solution Approach 2:
The system self-regulates liquid distribution based on detected movement parameters, eliminating human error in determining when to start, stop, or adjust solution application rates
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to a triggerless extractor surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface in which a cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and extracted using suction along with dirt and/or debris on the surface in a continuous operation as the extractor moves along the surface. The extractor further comprises an encoder positioned adjacent a wheel of the extractor for detecting a rotational direction and speed of the wheel to generate a signal. Based on receiving the signal, a controller controls operation of a valve to situationally distribute the cleaning solution to the surface depending on a forward rotation of the wheel and independent of user actuation of a trigger positioned on a handle used to propel the extractor along the surface. Distribution of the cleaning solution can be further optimized based on the detected rotational speed of the wheel.