Removable Wand Surface Cleaner With Metered Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface scrubber devices with fluid dispensing capabilities are difficult to use, produce erratic results, and are wasteful, lacking the ability to deliver a controlled, metered dose of fluid directly to the surface, and are often limited to either floor or hand-held use without flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning device with an integral fluid dispenser featuring a deformable bladder and nozzle, allowing for controlled dispensing of fluid through a one-way valve, and an optional extension wand for reaching difficult areas, enabling consistent fluid delivery and reusability of the outer housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flexible container with a nozzle tip is used for dispensing fluid material, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fluid delivery is erratic and uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a metering pump mechanism that changes the operational parameters of fluid dispensing by providing controlled reciprocating motion to the piston, enabling precise metering of fluid delivery while maintaining a relatively simple flexible container structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a metering pump as an intermediary device between the flexible container and the nozzle, which mediates the fluid flow to provide controlled and consistent delivery while the container itself remains simple in construction
2Manufacturing precision
If a dual valve construction is employed for controlled metered dispensing, then the fluid delivery is controlled and consistent, but the entire package must be disposed of when depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dispensing system into a reusable rigid housing containing the metering pump mechanism and a replaceable flexible container holding the fluid supply, allowing only the depleted container to be discarded while retaining the valuable metering components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of the metering pump housing and mechanism by separating it from the disposable flexible container, allowing the controlled dispensing system to be refilled and reused while only the depleted fluid container is discarded
3Productivity
If a surface cleaner with integrated fluid dispenser is used, then fluid can be delivered to the surface, but the device is difficult and awkward to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a trigger-actuated metering pump that allows the user to control fluid dispensing dynamically on demand, improving ease of operation by enabling precise control of when and how much fluid is delivered to the surface during cleaning operations
4Quantity of substance
If liquid cleaner is sprayed in front of the cleaning pad, then the pad can be supplied with liquid, but the application is not direct and efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the fluid dispensing nozzle to deliver liquid cleaner directly at the contact point between the cleaning pad and the surface, providing localized and efficient application rather than spraying in front of the pad, thereby improving productivity and application efficiency
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 device provides efficient, consistent, and cost-effective fluid delivery directly to the surface, reducing waste and allowing flexible operation between hand-held and wand-assisted modes, with the option to replace the internal bladder without discarding the outer container.
Implementation Method 1
A deformable bladder and nozzle are provided in the surface cleaner. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the bladder that contains a volume of liquid for dispensing. When the flexible and/or compressible outer exoskeleton is squeezed, the bladder container or retained therein is compressed thereby urging liquid from the storage bladder and out through the nozzle for dispensing.
Data Source
AI summary
A surface scrubbing device includes a pad base member that has at least one exit port with a connection structure provided on the pad base member. A surface engaging member is attached to the pad member. A storage chamber is provided within the scrubbing pad member with fluid stored therein. The storage chamber being positioned within the pad base member. A user manipulatable valve is provided in communication with the storage chamber so that depression of the button urges fluid the storage chamber through the exit port and to the surface engaging member. A wand is removably connected to the pad member via the connection means to extend the reach of the scrubbing device.