Vacuum Shoe Cleaning Mat With Flexible Inlet Suction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning technologies, particularly those using vacuum technology, face challenges in effectively and safely cleaning footwear and feet due to user error, safety issues, and the variety of footwear sizes and types, leading to inadequate or excessive suction power.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaning apparatus utilizing tension-protrusion assemblies to maintain optimal vacuum conditions, allowing for adjustable suction and compatibility with different footwear sizes, and the option to use either wet or dry vacuum technology, which can be implemented as a standalone or modular device, embedded in floors, or as a portable unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sufficient suction power is used to ensure effective cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of items getting stuck in the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane at the vacuum inlet that dynamically adjusts its configuration based on the applied load. When footwear is placed on the apparatus, the membrane flexes to accommodate the footwear shape, maintaining sealing while preventing items from becoming trapped. This dynamic adaptation allows sufficient suction power for effective cleaning without creating rigid structures that could trap items.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and configuration of the inlet opening through the flexible membrane, which transitions from a rigid barrier to a conforming seal. This parameter change allows the opening to maintain vacuum conditions while adapting to different footwear sizes and shapes, preventing items from getting stuck while maintaining effective suction.
2Device complexity
If a one-size-fits-all approach is used for the vacuum device, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accommodate different footwear sizes and types is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane design creates a universal interface that can accommodate various footwear types and sizes without requiring multiple specialized components. The membrane conforms to different shapes and dimensions, allowing a single device design to serve multiple footwear categories effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane changes its geometric parameters (shape, area, position) in response to different footwear placements, enabling the device to adapt to various footwear sizes and types without requiring multiple fixed configurations or complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the gap in the top plate is made small to sustain vacuum conditions, then vacuum quality is improved, but the flow of air and water is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane instead of a rigid gap structure. This flexible film maintains the vacuum seal while allowing controlled deformation to permit adequate air and water flow. The membrane's flexibility enables it to open slightly during operation to accommodate flow requirements while maintaining sealing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane dynamically adjusts its opening size and configuration during operation, balancing vacuum maintenance with flow requirements. When debris needs to be removed, the membrane can flex to allow increased flow; when sealing is critical, it returns to a more closed 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 apparatus provides efficient and safe cleaning of footwear and feet without physical effort, maintaining effective suction while preventing items from getting stuck, and can be adapted for various environments and items beyond footwear.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum cleaner creates a vacuum environment to remove debris from the footwear through suction
Implementation Method 2
The tension component (which in many instances could also be called a compression component) partially counteracts the force of the mass placed on the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for cleaning. The original motivation for the creation of the apparatus was the cleaning of shoes or bare feet, but the apparatus can be used in other organic and inorganic applications as well. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with a variety of different vacuum technologies, including wet dry vacuum systems. The apparatus can be implemented as a stand-alone mat or as modular component that can be combined with other units to achieve the desired coverage area.