Wastewater tank, cleaning device and cleaning system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users often forget to reinstall the filter assembly in the suction channel of cleaning devices like floor washers after cleaning, leading to potential damage to the suction device or ineffective operation without the filter assembly installed, which can result in the cleaning device not being able to suck water or causing damage to the suction motor.

Innovation Solution

A wastewater tank with a position triggering device that moves within a movement space on the tank cover, preventing installation if the filter assembly is not reinstated, thus reminding the user to reinstall the filter assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the filter assembly is made detachable for cleaning, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because users may forget to reinstall it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The position triggering device provides feedback about the filter assembly's installation status. When the filter assembly is not properly installed, the triggering device detects this state and prevents the wastewater tank from being mounted on the machine body, thereby ensuring reliability while maintaining ease of maintenance through detachable filter assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The position triggering device acts as an intermediary between the filter assembly and the mounting mechanism. It translates the filter assembly's installation status into a mechanical signal that either permits or prevents tank mounting, resolving the contradiction between detachable design and reliable operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the position triggering device prevents tank installation without filter assembly, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The position triggering device is self-actuating and does not require external control systems. It automatically detects whether the filter assembly is installed and mechanically prevents tank mounting when the filter is missing, achieving reliability enhancement without adding complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The position triggering device uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components rather than expensive electronic sensors or control systems. The triggering mechanism is a simple mechanical element that can be easily replaced if needed, providing reliable functionality with minimal complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP4659639A1Wastewater tank, cleaning device and cleaning system
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 ZHEJIANG SHAOXING SUPOR DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE CO LTD
  • EP4659639A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4659639A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4659639A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention provides a wastewater tank, a cleaning device, and a cleaning system. The cleaning device comprises a machine body. The wastewater tank comprises: a tank body which defines an accommodating cavity; a tank cover assembly comprising a tank cover and a position triggering device. The tank cover is arranged to cover the tank body and defines a suction channel communicating with the accommodating cavity and a movement space. The position triggering device is movably arranged in the movement space. The wastewater tank also comprises a filter assembly which is detachably installed in the suction channel. When the filter assembly is installed in the suction channel, it abuts against the position triggering device and presses the position triggering device to retract into the movement space. When the filter assembly is separated from the suction channel, the position triggering device extends from the movement space and prevents the wastewater tank from being installed on the machine body. The wastewater tank of this invention can remind users to reinstall the filter assembly on the tank cover, which avoids damage to the suction device in case the cleaning device operates without the filter assembly.