Surface cleaning device with triggerless fluid distribution mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning devices 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 cleaner with a liquid distribution system that automatically switches between distributing and non-distributing modes based on user-initiated movement detected by an encoder, eliminating the need for continuous user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user directly activates distribution of cleaning solution via trigger or button, then cleaning solution can be applied to surface, but user fatigue occurs during prolonged use and misestimate of cleaning solution amount occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically controls cleaning solution distribution based on detected base movement, eliminating the need for continuous user trigger actuation. The controller monitors movement sensors and autonomously activates the liquid distribution system during forward movement while deactivating during reverse movement, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring constant user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses movement sensors to detect the direction and state of base movement, providing feedback to the controller. The controller processes this feedback signal and automatically adjusts the liquid distribution system accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to operational conditions without user input.
2Extent of automation
If trigger mechanism is used for cleaning solution distribution, then user can control fluid application, but user fatigue occurs due to continuous actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical trigger system is replaced with an automated electronic control system. Movement sensors detect base motion and generate electrical signals that the controller processes to automatically control the liquid distribution system, substituting mechanical user actuation with electronic sensing and automated control.
3Measurement precision
If manual trigger actuation is required, then user can initiate cleaning solution distribution, but errors in cleaning solution application amount occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors base movement through sensors and uses this feedback to precisely control when the liquid distribution system is active. This ensures cleaning solution is applied only during forward movement and stopped during reverse movement, providing precise control over application amount and location without user intervention errors.
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 ensures consistent and efficient cleaning solution distribution, reducing user fatigue and errors associated with manual trigger actuation, while maintaining effective cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
a suction source operable to generate an airflow, a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction source, the suction source configured to generate the airflow through the suction nozzle
Implementation Method 2
an encoder operable to generate a signal in response to user-initiated movement of the base along the surface, where the signal may be indicative of one or more attributes selected from a group consisting of movement in a forward direction, movement in a rearward direction, and speed of movement
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.