Upright Deep Cleaner with Tool-Free Brush Removal and Flexible Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional upright deep cleaners face challenges in easy maintenance, tool-free brush agitator removal, cord replacement without disassembly, consistent suction nozzle contact over irregular surfaces, and efficient recovery tank handling.
Innovation Solution
The deep cleaner design includes a rotatable brush agitator that can be removed without tools, a motor and brush agitator module that can be serviced as a unit, a power cord that can be replaced without disassembling the housing, a suction nozzle with a flexible mounting system for consistent contact, and a recovery tank with a pivotally mounted lid for easy access and cleaning fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the brush agitator is made removable for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mounting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The brush agitator is designed as a separate removable component from the motor module, allowing independent maintenance of the brush without disassembling the motor. The base assembly is segmented into motor module and brush module that can be serviced separately, reducing overall maintenance complexity despite adding a removal mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush agitator is extracted as a removable component from the fixed assembly, enabling tool-free removal for cleaning and maintenance. This extraction allows the brush to be separated from the motor module while maintaining a simple connection mechanism that doesn't significantly increase overall device complexity.
2Ease of repair
If the power cord is made replaceable without disassembly, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional access mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The power cord is extracted as a separately replaceable component with its own access mechanism independent of the main housing disassembly. This allows the power cord to be removed and replaced through a dedicated opening or access point without requiring technicians to disassemble the entire housing, thereby improving repair ease while minimizing added complexity.
3Reliability
If the suction nozzle is made flexible to maintain contact, then cleaning performance is improved, but device complexity increases due to flexible mounting system
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing it to move and adapt its position to maintain consistent contact with irregular surfaces. This dynamic capability enables the nozzle to self-adjust during operation, improving cleaning reliability on varied terrain without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction nozzle incorporates flexible mounting elements that allow the nozzle to conform to surface irregularities while maintaining suction contact. This flexibility is achieved through elastomeric materials or spring-loaded mechanisms that provide passive adaptation to terrain variations, improving contact consistency without adding significant complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the recovery tank lid is made easily removable, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to pivotal mounting mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery tank lid is designed with pivotal mounting that allows dynamic movement between closed and open positions. This dynamic hinge mechanism enables easy removal and attachment of the lid while maintaining a secure sealed position during operation, improving ease of operation with minimal added complexity through simple pivot geometry.
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
This design enhances maintenance ease, ensures consistent cleaning performance, and improves user convenience by allowing tool-free maintenance and efficient fluid management, ensuring effective cleaning and recovery processes.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source in fluid communication with the working air conduit to draw the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the nozzle and the working air conduit to the recovery tank
Implementation Method 2
an agitator element for scrubbing the surface to be cleaned
Implementation Method 3
a brush, pad, sponge, cloth, and the like
Implementation Method 4
a float valve that automatically controls fluid flow into the recovery tank based on liquid level
Implementation Method 5
The cleaning fluid may be heated to improve its effectiveness
Implementation Method 6
a pump assembly mounted to the base assembly and in fluid communication with the solution supply tank and the nozzle
Data Source
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AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a base assembly (12), an upright handle assembly (14) pivotally mounted to the base assembly (12), a fluid distribution system including a supply of cleaning fluid, and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned. The base assembly (12) comprises a fluid supply tank (22) mounted on a base platform (20), and a recovery tank (24) and lid (70) mounted on the supply tank (22). The nozzle (146) assembly is split into three separable sections, and the upper handle (300) is foldable to a storage position. The base assembly (12) further comprises a pivotable brush carriage (210) assembly. A method for renting extraction cleaning machines (10) utilizes a vending machine (600) that dispenses cleaning formulations packaged in single use packages (602).