Bidirectional Squeegee Cartridge for Fresh and Used Fluid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window and hard surface cleaning devices require multiple tools and steps, are not compact, and lack the ability to efficiently deliver, squeegee, and collect cleaning fluid in multidirectional movements, especially when dealing with sensitive surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning implement with a squeegee blade sandwiched by porous materials on both sides, allowing for bidirectional cleaning and fluid absorption, using a replaceable cartridge that delivers cleaning fluid and separates fresh from used fluid through capillary structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple separate tools are used for cleaning (spray bottle, sponge, squeegee, rag), then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall cleaning process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning functions (fluid delivery, application, squeegeeing, and collection) into a single integrated cleaning implement. The device merges the spray bottle, sponge, squeegee, and collection container into one unit, eliminating the need to switch between multiple separate tools and thereby improving cleaning efficiency while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning implement is designed as a multi-functional device that can deliver cleaning fluid, apply it to surfaces, squeegee used fluid off surfaces, and collect the used liquid all through a single tool. This universal design allows one device to perform multiple cleaning tasks that previously required several separate tools, directly addressing the productivity vs. complexity contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a squeegee device is designed for unidirectional movement, then the squeegee blade can effectively remove liquid in one direction, but the device cannot be used efficiently for multidirectional cleaning movements
Solution Approach 1:
The squeegee blade is designed with asymmetric features including a first beveled edge and a second beveled edge at the rearward portion, allowing the blade to effectively squeegee liquid in both forward and reverse directions. The asymmetric design maintains reliable liquid removal performance while enabling bidirectional movement versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning implement incorporates dynamic elements such as a flexible squeegee blade and adjustable porous material segments that adapt to different movement directions. The device transitions from static unidirectional design to dynamic bidirectional operation, maintaining effectiveness through flexible components that respond to changing movement directions.
3Reliability
If absorbent materials are placed adjacent the squeegee blade to collect liquid, then liquid collection is improved, but the device becomes less compact and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses porous material segments with controlled porosity and thickness to achieve effective liquid absorption without excessive weight. The porous structure provides high surface area for liquid collection while maintaining a compact, lightweight form factor, resolving the contradiction between collection reliability and device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent porous materials are strategically positioned only in the regions where liquid collection is most needed, adjacent to the squeegee blade edges. This localized placement provides effective liquid collection capability while minimizing the overall amount of absorbent material used, thereby reducing device weight while maintaining collection reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a cleaning device incorporates both fluid delivery and collection capabilities, then the device becomes more versatile, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning implement nests multiple functional components within a compact structure. The porous material segments are positioned between the squeegee blade and the collection container, creating a nested arrangement where fluid delivery, application, squeegeeing, and collection functions are layered within each other. This nesting reduces overall device complexity while maintaining multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning porous material segments above and below the squeegee blade, and placing the collection container in the rearward portion. This three-dimensional arrangement of functional components allows multi-functionality to be achieved without increasing horizontal footprint or overall structural complexity.
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 efficient, multi-directional cleaning of hard surfaces with reduced tool usage, compact design, and effective separation of fresh and used cleaning fluids, suitable for various surfaces including building windows and automobile windows.
Implementation Method 1
a first segment of porous material positioned on a first side of the squeegee blade and a second segment of porous material positioned on a second side of the squeegee blade
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning implement is disclosed which is of a multifunctional type. In one form it has a squeegee blade sandwiched by absorbents on both sides. The absorbents can absorb cleaning fluid, and do so when the squeegee is moved in multiple directions. In another form the squeegee blade is sandwiched by the substrates, but has through holes such that used cleaning liquid that is driven off the window by the squeegee is collected in a different substrate from a substrate that delivers fresh cleaning liquid to the surface being cleaned.