Wet cleaning device, in particular window cleaning device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wet cleaning devices are not designed for easy handling, making them cumbersome for effective cleaning of smooth surfaces like windows.

Innovation Solution

A wet cleaning device with a substantially rectangular wiping surface and a handle area that is rigidly connected, where the handle's extension direction aligns with the suction opening along the wiping surface's longitudinal edge, allowing for ergonomic handling and efficient liquid pickup and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handle area is positioned behind the suction opening and wiping surface, then the device structure is simplified, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of handlingVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle area is repositioned from a linear arrangement behind the suction opening to a vertical overlap configuration above the wiping surface, utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the contradiction between ease of handling and structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the suction opening is elongated along the longitudinal edge of the wiping surface, then liquid pickup efficiency is improved, but the device becomes less maneuverable around edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid pickup efficiencyVSAvoidmaneuverability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device allows dynamic adjustment of the wiping surface orientation, enabling the user to adapt the elongated suction opening's engagement with the surface edge, thus maintaining both high liquid pickup efficiency and maneuverability around edges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the handle area is in vertical overlap with the wiping surface, then ergonomic handling is achieved, but the device occupies more vertical space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic handlingVSAvoidvertical space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical overlap configuration is applied locally to the handle area positioning, concentrating the ergonomic benefit in the user's hand region while minimizing the overall vertical envelope of the device through compact component arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enables easy, one-handed operation with effective cleaning and liquid management, allowing for thorough cleaning of surfaces without streaks and with minimal wrist effort, especially around edges.

Implementation Method 1

the liquid to be applied to the surface to be cleaned via the wiping surface, possibly containing dirt particles, is picked up via the suction opening which follows the suction opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2774522B1Wet cleaning device, in particular window cleaning device
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • EP2774522B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2774522B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2774522B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The apparatus (1) has a rigid gripping section (7) vertically overlapped on a wiping surface (19). A suction opening (26) is extended along a longitudinal edge of the wiping surface. An extending direction is aligned at a profile of the suction opening. A freshwater tank (9) and a waste water tank are separated from the apparatus and arranged opposite to transverse and longitudinal extents of the gripping section. Sucking in and blowing out directions of a fan are aligned along the extending direction of the gripping section. Face surfaces (5, 6) are formed as a standing area (32).