Turbine-Driven Floor Cleaning Head With Separate Suction Chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices for wet floor surfaces require a mains connection and are not suitable for use as additional devices with canister vacuum cleaners, and they inefficiently dispense and absorb cleaning liquids on smooth surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a turbine-driven cleaning roller and a separate suction chamber that uses a slit-shaped suction opening to effectively absorb cleaning fluid without mixing it with air flow, allowing the air flow to drive the turbine and ensuring complete liquid absorption on the floor surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the suction chamber is connected to the roller chamber, then the structure is simpler, but cleaning fluid is discharged as droplets with the air flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction chamber structureVSAvoidcleaning fluid droplet discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suction chamber is segmented into two distinct parts: a first suction chamber for air flow and a second suction chamber for liquid/dirt removal. This segmentation prevents mixing of air flow with cleaning fluid, eliminating droplet discharge while maintaining structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cleaning device is designed for textile floor coverings, then it achieves good cleaning results on carpets, but it is not suitable for smooth floor surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefloor surface compatibilityVSAvoidcleaning efficiency on specific surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is designed with universal applicability for both textile floor coverings and smooth floor surfaces. The adjustable roller pressure and versatile suction system enable effective cleaning across different floor types, making the device adaptable to multiple cleaning scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of substance

If the suction opening is narrow slit-shaped, then liquid intake during rearward movement is reduced, but dirt particle removal efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning fluid lossVSAvoiddirt particle removal efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction function is segmented into two separate openings: a first suction opening for air and dirt particle removal, and a second suction opening for liquid intake. This segmentation allows the narrow slit-shaped first opening to effectively remove dirt while the second opening handles liquid, preventing fluid loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Power

If the cleaning device requires a mains connection, then it provides sufficient power for cleaning, but it cannot be used as an additional device with canister vacuum cleaners

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning powerVSAvoidcompatibility with vacuum cleaners
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device utilizes the air flow from connected vacuum cleaners to drive its turbine, eliminating the need for a separate mains connection. This self-service approach allows the device to operate using the vacuum cleaner's power source, enabling compatibility and versatile use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient wet cleaning of floor surfaces without a mains connection, suitable for use with canister vacuum cleaners, and ensures complete absorption of cleaning liquid, preventing droplet discharge and optimizing dirt and liquid removal.

Implementation Method 1

a turbine chamber (8) with a turbine (9) around and/or through which an air flow sucked into the suction opening (2) or through a separate opening (16) flows and which drives the cleaning roller (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbine: Turbine

Data Source

PatentEP2823746B1Cleaning device for the wet cleaning of floor surfaces
Publication Date: 2015.12.02 WESSEL WERK
  • EP2823746B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2823746B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning device for wet cleaning floor surfaces. The basic structure of the cleaning device comprises a housing (1) with a slot-shaped suction opening (2) on its underside and a roller chamber (3) open at the bottom, containing a rotatably mounted cleaning roller (4), a device (5) for dispensing a cleaning fluid into the roller chamber (3), and a suction nozzle (6) fixedly or pivotably connected to the housing (1) for connecting a suction unit. A suction chamber (7) is arranged in the housing (1), extending from the suction opening (2) to the suction nozzle (6) and not connected to the roller chamber (3). According to the invention, the suction chamber (7) includes a turbine chamber (16) with a turbine (17) which is surrounded and/or driven by an airflow drawn in through the suction opening (2) or a separate opening, and which drives the cleaning roller (4).