Articulated Holder for Window Cleaners on Extension Tubes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable hard surface cleaning devices are limited in reaching high areas, such as high skylights, without requiring users to change their standing position or use a ladder, especially when cleaning surfaces inclined to the vertical like roof windows.

Innovation Solution

A device holder with a telescopic extension tube and articulated design allows the portable hard surface cleaning device to be securely attached and adjusted for extended reach, enabling easy navigation along inclined surfaces by pivoting the base body relative to the extension tube, ensuring the cleaning device can be pressed firmly against the surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the cleaning device is used without an extension tube, then the device structure remains simple, but the reach is limited and high areas cannot be accessed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereach distanceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device holder is divided into modular components: a base body with support arms, a telescopic extension tube with multiple sections, and connecting elements. This segmentation allows the reach to be extended while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension tube employs a telescopic design where multiple tube sections are nested within each other. When extended, the outer tube contains inner tubes, allowing significant reach extension while minimizing storage space and maintaining a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the base body is fixed rigidly, then the structure is stable, but the device cannot be easily adapted to inclined surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to inclined surfacesVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The joint part incorporates a pivotable connection between the base body and extension tube, allowing dynamic adjustment of the cleaning device angle. This pivot mechanism enables adaptation to various surface inclinations while maintaining structural integrity through a locked position capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The articulation joint allows changing the angular parameter of the device configuration. By pivoting the base body relative to the extension tube, the cleaning device can be adjusted to match the inclination angle of the surface being cleaned, optimizing contact and cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of moving object

If the cleaning device is positioned high above ground, then high areas can be reached, but the user loses control and stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereach heightVSAvoiduser control
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device holder is designed with a stable base body configuration that is prepared in advance to provide a solid mounting platform. The support arms and connecting elements are pre-configured to ensure proper alignment and secure attachment of the cleaning device before the user begins operation at height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device holder replicates the stable support structure of traditional fixed cleaning systems in a portable configuration. By providing a rigid base body with proper weight distribution and secure connection points, it copies the stability characteristics of fixed installations, allowing users to operate at height with confidence and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3245925B1Device holder for a portable hard surface cleaning device
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG
  • EP3245925B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3245925B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3245925B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to increase the range of a portable hard surface cleaning device (12) for removing and sucking up liquid from a hard surface, in particular from a window pane, a device holder (10) is proposed comprising a first support arm (30) which has a first support surface (34), on which the hard surface cleaning device (12) can be placed with a side area, and on which a first connecting element (44) is arranged for connecting the base body (28) to the hard surface cleaning device (12), a second support arm (32) which has a second support surface ( 32) on which the hard surface cleaning device (12) can be placed, and a second connecting element (76) for connecting the device holder (10) to an extension tube (14).