Adjustable Mop Frame With Sliding Locks for Shrunk Mop Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mop frames are not adaptable to a wide range of mop head lengths and cannot accommodate shrinkage due to laundering, limiting their adjustability and usability with different mop heads.
Innovation Solution
A mop frame design featuring slidably coupled extensions and locks that allow continuous adjustability between retracted and extended positions, enabling compatibility with various mop head lengths and accommodating shrinkage by locking in any position between the fully retracted and extended states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mop frame is designed with fixed length, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate different mop head lengths or shrinkage from laundering
Solution Approach 1:
The mop frame is divided into multiple segments: a base portion and at least one extendable portion that can be adjusted independently. This segmentation allows the frame to adapt to different mop head lengths while maintaining structural integrity and relatively simple construction of each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The mop frame transitions from a static fixed-length structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The extendable portion can be moved between retracted and extended positions, and the locking mechanism allows it to be held at any intermediate position, providing continuous adaptability while using simple mechanical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mop frame provides limited range of lengthwise adjustability, then it can accommodate shrunk mop heads, but it cannot be used with a wide range of mop heads having different lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be easily operated by the user without requiring tools or complex procedures. The user can simply extend or retract the extendable portion and lock it at the desired position, making the mop frame easy to adapt to different mop head lengths and facilitating quick remounting after laundering.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discrete adjustment positions are provided, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot provide continuous adjustability for shrunk mop heads
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism allows the extendable portion to be locked at any position along its range of motion, not just at discrete predetermined positions. This continuous parameter adjustment capability enables precise matching to shrunk mop heads while using a relatively simple mechanical locking system that maintains structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mop frame with a base, a first extension that is slidably coupled to the base, a second extension that is slidably coupled to the base, a first lock that is mounted to the base, and a second lock that is mounted to the base. The first extension and second extension are each operable to slide with respect to the base between a retracted position and an extended position. The first lock and second lock are operable to releasably lock the first extension and second extension, respectively, to the base in any position between the retracted position and the extended position.