Wet Cleaning Apparatus with User-Powered Liquid Removal Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wet cleaning apparatuses lack efficient liquid pickup functionality without increasing complexity and cost through electrical components, which are required for active liquid removal.
Innovation Solution
A wet cleaning apparatus with a dirty liquid removal assembly that utilizes volume changing elements manipulated by user force to create underpressure for liquid removal, eliminating the need for electric pumps and associated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an electric pump is used to remove liquid from the surface, then liquid removal functionality is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric pump (electrical/mechanical system) with a mechanically-operated volume changing element that uses the user's natural pushing motion to create underpressure for liquid removal. The volume changing element is mechanically coupled to the handle, so that when the user pushes the cleaner head forward, this motion directly manipulates the volume changing element to expand the volume and generate suction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own exertion force to power the liquid removal function. The force that the user applies to move the cleaner head forward is additionally utilized to manipulate the volume changing element, making the system self-servicing without requiring separate power sources or electrical components.
2Productivity
If an electric pump is used to remove liquid from the surface, then liquid removal functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric pump (electrical/mechanical system) with a mechanically-operated volume changing element that uses the user's natural pushing motion to create underpressure for liquid removal. The volume changing element is mechanically coupled to the handle, so that when the user pushes the cleaner head forward, this motion directly manipulates the volume changing element to expand the volume and generate suction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical volume changing element and associated components represent a simpler, more cost-effective alternative to electric pumps. By eliminating motors, electrical connections, and associated control systems, the manufacturing cost is significantly reduced while maintaining the liquid removal functionality.
3Productivity
If electrical components are added to the wet cleaning apparatus, then liquid removal functionality is improved, but compliance with regulatory requirements becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric pump (electrical/mechanical system) with a mechanically-operated volume changing element that uses the user's natural pushing motion to create underpressure for liquid removal. The volume changing element is mechanically coupled to the handle, so that when the user pushes the cleaner head forward, this motion directly manipulates the volume changing element to expand the volume and generate suction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes all electrical components from the wet cleaning apparatus. By eliminating the electric pump and associated electrical systems, the device achieves liquid removal functionality without any electrical parts, thereby automatically complying with IPX and IEC regulatory requirements that would otherwise be difficult to meet.
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 effective liquid pickup and delivery without electrical components, reducing costs and complexity while meeting regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one volume changing element manipulable to expand one or more volumes in the dirty liquid removal assembly and thereby provide an underpressure for removing the liquid from the surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Provided is a wet cleaning apparatus (100) for cleaning a surface. The wet cleaning apparatus comprises a cleaner head (102), and a handle (148) for allowing a user to move the cleaner head on the surface. The wet cleaning apparatus further comprises a dirty liquid removal assembly (104) for removing liquid from the surface. The dirty liquid removal assembly comprises at least one volume changing element (126) manipulable to expand one or more volumes in the dirty liquid removal assembly and thereby provide an underpressure for removing the liquid from the surface. The at least one volume changing element is arranged relative to the handle so that force exerted on the handle by the user to move the cleaner head on the surface additionally causes manipulation of the at least one volume changing element to expand the volume(s) in the dirty liquid removal assembly. In this way, the user's exertion of force on the handle assists with removal of the liquid from the surface.