Asymmetric Cleaning Implement for Multi-Surface and Corner Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning implements are inadequate for efficiently cleaning multi-faceted and multi-surface environments, particularly failing to effectively scrub broad surfaces and tight corners with the same tool, and often pose safety risks due to inadequate handle orientation and bristle geometry.
Innovation Solution
A manually-operated cleaning implement with an asymmetrical, largely rectangular body featuring distinct leading corners of differing radii, combined with an angled handle attachment mechanism, allowing for broad surface sweeping and tight corner cleaning with stiffened or soft bristles, maintaining user safety by keeping hands away from contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a square broom or bristled implement is used, then broad surfaces can be cleaned, but tight corners and complex surfaces cannot be effectively reached
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning implement head is divided into multiple functional zones with different bristle characteristics. The body includes a first region with bristles of first length and stiffness, and a second region with bristles of second length and stiffness, allowing each segment to address specific cleaning challenges in different geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cleaning implement head are given locally optimized properties. The first region has bristles suited for broad surfaces, while the second region has bristles suited for tight corners and complex surfaces. This local differentiation allows the single implement to effectively clean various surface geometries without compromising productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rounded implement is used, then curving surfaces can be cleaned, but sharp corners and flat surfaces are difficult to clean effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning implement head employs an asymmetrical design with a first region and a second region having different bristle configurations. This asymmetry allows the implement to adapt to both sharp corners and curving surfaces while maintaining uniform contact, as each asymmetric region can be optimally positioned for specific surface geometries.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is positioned close to the cleaning head, then control is improved, but hands are exposed to contaminants and restricted spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is positioned in a spatial relationship that optimizes both control and safety. By extending the handle at an appropriate distance and angle from the cleaning head, the operator gains leverage and control precision while simultaneously positioning hands away from contaminant zones in restricted spaces, effectively using spatial dimensionality to resolve the contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning implement for use with an elongated handle is provided. The implement includes a largely rectangular and asymmetric body region with rounded outer edges, largely planar upper and lower surfaces, and upstanding contact material coextensively disposed thereon. The body region is a largely flattened structure having a first and second leading edge corner, the corners comprising where the leading edge of the body region transitions to the side edges. The first corner comprises a large, sweeping radius for cleaning curving and open surfaces. The second corner comprises a sharp corner having a small radius, chamfered, protuberant, or largely square corner wherein overly elongated and stiffened contact material extends therefrom for contacting surfaces within corners or within confined areas. The head region includes a back end having a handle receiving sheath and suitable support therefor, wherein an elongated handle is attached thereto for use away from the user's person.