Utility Bucket Cleaning Attachment for Side-Lay Debris Containment
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility buckets require remaining upright to contain debris and liquids, making it difficult to lay them on their side for easy access, as liquids and debris can exit or hinder new debris from being swept in.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning attachment with a rim engagement portion, a ramped portion, and a waste retention wall that allows the bucket to be laid horizontally while preventing debris and liquids from exiting by guiding them up the ramp and into the bucket's interior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the utility bucket is laid on its side for easy access to sweep debris into the bucket interior, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because liquids and debris may exit the bucket or hinder new debris from being swept in
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning attachment acts as an intermediary device between the broom and the bucket interior. It includes a ramped portion that guides debris and liquids into the bucket, and a waste retention wall that prevents them from exiting, thus mediating the interaction between the sweeping action and the bucket containment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning attachment is segmented into distinct functional portions: a rim engagement portion for attaching to the bucket, a ramped portion for guiding waste in, and a waste retention wall for preventing waste from exiting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively.
2Reliability
If the utility bucket remains upright to contain large amounts of debris and liquids, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because it is difficult to access the interior for sweeping
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning attachment serves as a mediator that enables the bucket to be laid on its side while maintaining containment. The ramped portion and waste retention wall work together to ensure that even when the bucket is horizontal, debris and liquids are guided into and contained within the bucket interior.
3Ease of operation
If a cleaning attachment is added to enable side-laying of the bucket, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning attachment is designed to perform multiple functions with a single device: it attaches to the bucket rim, guides debris and liquids into the bucket via the ramped portion, and prevents them from exiting via the waste retention wall. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning attachment can be constructed from thin, lightweight materials that provide the necessary structural support and functional performance without adding excessive complexity or weight. The rim engagement portion, ramped portion, and waste retention wall can be formed from thin sheets or profiles.
Data Source
AI summary
The present cleaning attachment, for engagement to a rim of a utility bucket, permits the pushing or sweeping of solid and liquid waste up a ramp and into the interior space of the bucket. The ramp of the attachment is connected to a frame configured to engage the rim of the bucket. A waste retention wall at the back of the ramp creates a contained volume and blocks the waste from exiting the bucket once swept in.