Hard Surface Vacuum Separation Chamber for Stable Suction Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hard surface suction devices face issues with maintaining a constant suction flow regardless of the dirty liquid tank's fill level and risk of liquid escape when the device is tilted or positioned at an angle.
Innovation Solution
A hard surface suction device design with a separation chamber between the suction nozzle and suction unit, where liquid is separated and collected in the dirty liquid tank without affecting the suction flow, and a filling device with a filling channel and escape space to prevent liquid from escaping when the device is pivoted, ensuring a consistent suction flow and preventing liquid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the separating device is integrated into the dirty liquid tank as a single structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the suction flow becomes dependent on the liquid level in the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functionally independent modules: the separating device and the dirty liquid tank are separated into distinct components. The separating device includes a separation chamber that is fluidically connected to the dirty liquid tank but structurally independent, allowing the suction flow to be decoupled from the liquid level in the tank.
Solution Approach 2:
A filling device with a filling channel acts as an intermediary between the separation chamber and the dirty liquid tank. This intermediary component controls the fluid connection, allowing liquid to transfer from the separation chamber to the tank while maintaining the structural and functional independence of the two components.
2Reliability
If the dirty liquid tank is separated from the flow path by a float, then the suction flow stability is improved, but liquid may escape from the suction nozzle when the device is tilted
Solution Approach 1:
The filling channel is designed with a specific spatial orientation and includes an escape space that utilizes the third dimension (vertical space above the filling opening) to contain liquid when the device is tilted. This dimensional approach prevents liquid escape by providing a containment volume in the direction of potential liquid movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The escape space is pre-configured in the dirty liquid tank above the filling opening to anticipate and accommodate liquid that may move toward the filling channel when the device is tilted. This preliminary structural preparation prevents liquid escape before it can occur.
3Reliability
If the separation chamber is positioned such that liquid can flow freely into the dirty liquid tank, then the separating effect is improved, but liquid may flow back into the suction nozzle when the device is inverted
Solution Approach 1:
The filling device with its filling channel and escape space is configured in advance to control liquid flow direction. The escape space acts as a one-way containment volume that allows liquid to flow from the separation chamber to the tank but prevents backflow into the suction nozzle, even when the device is inverted.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling device serves as an intermediary flow control mechanism between the separation chamber and the dirty liquid tank. It mediates the liquid transfer process, allowing effective separation while preventing harmful backflow through its designed flow path and escape space configuration.
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 a constant suction flow independent of the dirty liquid tank's fill level and prevents liquid from escaping when the device is tilted, simplifying handling and maintaining effective operation in various positions.
Implementation Method 1
a suction flow can be achieved by means of the suction unit, so that dirt particles and water droplets can be sucked off the hard surface through the suction nozzle
Implementation Method 2
In an upper housing part, it includes a dirty liquid tank which is combined with a separating device. In a separation chamber which is arranged in the flow path between the suction nozzle and the suction unit, liquid is separated from the liquid-air mixture
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hard surface vacuum (10) comprising a suction nozzle (80) and a suction unit (16), for vacuuming a liquid-air mixture from a hard surface, and comprising a separating device (72) for separation liquid from the liquid-air mixture, and a waste liquid tank (25) for receiving the separated liquid. In order to obtain a continuous suction flow, regardless of the fill level of the waste liquid tank, without the danger of the liquid that is present in the waste liquid tank of flowing out, a separating chamber (65) is arranged between the suction nozzle (80) and the suction unit, said chamber housing the separating unit and being connected to the waste liquid tank, wherein the flow path from the suction nozzle to the suction unit leads past the waste liquid tank, and the hard surface vacuum comprises a filling device (60) with an inlet channel (50) having a filling opening (51). Beneath the filling opening (51), the waste liquid tank comprises a collecting chamber (55) for separated liquid, and the filling channel is surrounded by an alternative chamber (56) of the waste liquid tank (25), said chamber receiving liquid from the collecting chamber when pivoting the hard surface vacuum from the vertical position.