Broom-Mop Adapter Plate With Pivoting Handle and Fabric Grippers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current floor cleaning tools require separate brooms and mops, which are inefficient in dirt removal and often necessitate costly attachments and chemicals, with Swiffers being limited in handling larger debris and requiring additional cleaning liquids.
Innovation Solution
A combination broom and cleaning fabric adapter apparatus that integrates a standard broom and mop into a single tool, featuring a planar plate with Velcro grippers for cleaning fabric, a pivoting stick attachment, and a broom brush attachment, allowing for machine washable attachments and eliminating the need for separate tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate broom and mop tools are used, then each tool can perform its specific function, but the user must carry and store multiple tools separately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a broom and mop into a single integrated tool by attaching both cleaning heads to a common handle. The broom brush assembly and mop fabric assembly are both mounted on the same handle, allowing the user to switch between sweeping and mopping functions without carrying separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves as a universal support structure that can accommodate both broom and mop attachments. The design allows one tool to perform multiple cleaning functions (sweeping and mopping) that traditionally required separate specialized tools.
2Ease of operation
If standard mop is used, then mopping function is provided, but the mop tends to move dirt around rather than removing it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the broom and mop into a single tool, allowing the user to first sweep dirt into clumps with the broom attachment, then immediately use the mop attachment to remove the concentrated dirt, rather than letting the mop scatter dirt around.
3Measurement precision
If Swiffer brand tools are used, then dust and small dirt removal is effective, but larger bits of dirt and debris cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning functions into two distinct attachments (broom and mop) on the same handle. The broom brush with its bristle structure is effective for larger debris, while the mop fabric handles dust and smaller particles, providing versatility across different debris sizes.
4Productivity
If conventional cleaning techniques are used, then floor cleaning is achieved, but costly attachments and cleaning liquids filled with harmful chemicals are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service cleaning using common household items (broom, mop, water) rather than requiring specialized commercial products and chemicals. The system uses simple mechanical action and plain water to achieve effective floor cleaning without harmful chemicals.
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 and cost-effective floor cleaning by combining sweeping and mopping functions into one tool, reducing the need for multiple tools and chemicals, while allowing for versatile and effective dirt removal.
Implementation Method 1
The first surface may include grippers, such as a VelcroTM strip, to grip the cleaning fabric onto the first surface.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a combination broom and cleaning fabric adapter apparatus. The apparatus may include a planar plate having a first and a second surface. The plate may be configured to position a cleaning fabric on the first surface. The first surface may include grippers to grip the cleaning fabric onto the first surface. A stick attachment device may be connected to the second surface for attaching a standard broom or mop stick to the plate at a first location on the plate. The stick attachment device may be configured to allow the stick to pivot freely in two-dimensions relative to the plate. A broom brush attachment device may be connected to the second surface adjacent an edge of the plate for attaching a broom brush to the plate.