Vacuum Cleaner Accessory Tool With Recovery Tank and Backflow Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dry vacuum cleaners are unable to distribute or recover fluids without risking damage to their motor and filtration systems, requiring separate equipment for different cleaning tasks and posing risks of fluid backflow into the vacuum cleaner.

Innovation Solution

An accessory tool for vacuum cleaners that includes a dispenser for cleaning fluid, a suction system with a recovery tank and a backflow preventer to separate fluid from air, allowing for fluid distribution and recovery while preventing fluid from entering the vacuum cleaner's filtration system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional dry vacuum cleaners are used for fluid distribution and recovery, then cleaning versatility is improved, but risk of fluid damage to motor and filtration system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning versatilityVSAvoidrisk of fluid damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum cleaner system is segmented into separate fluid handling and air handling pathways. The fluid distribution system (dispenser with treating reservoir) and fluid recovery system (recovery tank with suction nozzle) are distinct from the motor and filtration system, allowing fluid operations without exposing the motor to damage while maintaining cleaning versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A backflow preventer is introduced as an intermediary component in the suction flow path between the recovery tank and the motor/filtration system. This intermediary device allows fluid recovery operations while blocking any potential backflow that could damage the motor and filtration system, thus enabling versatility without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wet pick-up tool is used to convert dry vacuum cleaner for fluid recovery, then fluid recovery capability is improved, but complexity of device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid recovery capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid distribution and recovery functions are merged into a single accessory tool that attaches to the existing vacuum cleaner. The dispenser, treating reservoir, suction nozzle, and recovery tank are integrated into one unit, reducing the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining fluid recovery capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving both fluid distribution (through the dispenser) and fluid recovery (through the suction nozzle and recovery tank). This universal design allows one device to perform multiple cleaning tasks, reducing overall system complexity compared to using separate specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If container in wet pick-up tool is overfilled or tilted, then ease of operation is improved, but fluid backflow into vacuum cleaner occurs causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidfluid backflow damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The backflow preventer is installed in advance in the suction flow path to counteract any potential backflow before it can reach the motor and filtration system. This preliminary protective measure allows the container to be overfilled or tilted during operation without creating harmful backflow effects, maintaining ease of operation while preventing damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 the use of conventional dry vacuum cleaners for both fluid distribution and recovery without damaging the equipment, by separating fluid and air pathways and preventing backflow, thus expanding their cleaning capabilities while ensuring safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a suction source, a suction nozzle, and a suction hose fluidly coupling the suction nozzle to the suction source to establish a suction flow path from the suction nozzle to the suction source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a backflow preventer located in the fluid path between the suction nozzle and the recovery tank and configured to prevent escape of fluid from the recovery tank back into the suction nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCheck valve: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS9186028B2Accessory tool for a vacuum cleaner

Publication Date: 2015.11.17 BISSELL INC

AI summary

An accessory tool can include a recovery tank assembly for removing fluid and dirt from a surface to be cleaned and store the recovered fluid and dirt. The accessory tool can be used in connection with a vacuum cleaner including an extraction cleaner. The accessory tool can include a housing assembly having a suction outlet opening adapted to be connected to a vacuum hose in fluid communication with the suction source of the vacuum cleaner and a recovery tank can be in fluid communication with the suction nozzle to store liquid drawn in through the suction nozzle.