Cleaning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices face limitations in collecting larger particles and efficiently managing liquid dirt due to the restricted cross-sectional width of the suction opening and the pushing effect of sealing lips, which prevents effective suction during both forward and backward movements.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable lip is integrated with the suction opening, alternating its resting position based on the direction of movement, creating a larger gap for particle collection during forward movement and enhancing liquid collection and suction pressure during backward movement by acting as a squeegee.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the suction opening has a limited cross-sectional width, then the device structure is compact, but larger particles cannot be collected
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing lip is designed to be movable between two positions: a first position during forward movement where it allows larger particles to pass, and a second position during backward movement where it seals to maintain suction pressure. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the sealing behavior to the direction of movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the effective sealing parameter of the suction opening based on movement direction. During forward movement, the lip is positioned to allow larger particles through; during backward movement, the lip seals to maintain suction pressure. This parameter change enables the same structure to handle both large particles and maintain sealing effectiveness.
2Stress or pressure
If a sealing lip is used to maintain suction pressure, then suction pressure is maintained, but the lip pushes particulate dirt like a snow plow preventing it from entering the suction channel
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing lip dynamically changes position based on movement direction. During forward movement, the lip is in a first position that allows particulate dirt to pass while maintaining adequate sealing. During backward movement, the lip moves to a second position where it seals more effectively to maintain suction pressure. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between sealing pressure and particle collection.
3Stress or pressure
If a sealing lip is positioned to seal the suction opening, then suction pressure is maintained, but liquid to be collected is pushed in front of the lip during backward movement preventing it from reaching the suction channel
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing lip's position is dynamically adjusted based on movement direction. During backward movement, the lip is positioned in a first state that allows liquid to pass while maintaining sealing function. During forward movement, the lip moves to a second state where it provides stronger sealing to maintain suction pressure. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining suction pressure and allowing liquid passage.
4Device complexity
If fixed sealing lips are used to border the suction opening, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different movement directions for optimal cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing lip is designed with mobility to adapt its position based on the direction of movement. The lip can move between a first position and a second position, allowing the device to optimize its cleaning performance for both forward and backward movements. This dynamic feature adds adaptability while maintaining relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable sealing lip serves multiple functions: it seals the suction opening during backward movement to maintain pressure, allows particle passage during forward movement, and adapts to different cleaning scenarios. This multi-functionality increases versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 pivotable lip design allows for improved collection of both particulate and damp dirt, increasing the suction power and efficiency by adapting the gap sizes and flow paths based on the direction of movement, facilitating better dirt removal and maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
Particulate and dust-like dirt is conveyed through the suction opening and the suction channel into a dirt container
Implementation Method 2
a pivotable lip is associated with the suction opening and alternately rests against the first wall or the second wall
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device includes: a main body having a front edge; a suction device having a suction opening and a suction channel; a brush assembly having a rotatable roller brush; and an apparatus for wetting a floor to be cleaned with liquid, the apparatus being associated with the roller brush. The suction opening and the roller brush are arranged in the main body in such a manner as to face the floor to be cleaned. The suction opening has a first wall facing the front edge of the main body and a second wall facing the roller brush. The roller brush loosens dirt from the floor to be cleaned. A pivotable lip is associated with the suction opening and alternately rests against the first wall or the second wall.