Cleaning Cart Barcode Holder for Efficient Logging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cleaning trolleys require cumbersome written recording or barcode reading methods for logging cleaning work, which are inefficient and prone to damage, especially when used in large industrial or office settings.

Innovation Solution

Applying barcodes to a surface inclined relative to the guide handle on the cleaning trolley, allowing for easy reading with an electronic device while pushing the trolley, with a detachable holding device that includes a barcode reader compartment and other functional elements like a beverage holder and garbage bag dispenser.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If barcodes are printed or stuck on a cleaning trolley for logging cleaning work, then documentation efficiency is improved, but the barcodes are prone to damage and soiling when used in industrial or office settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocumentation efficiencyVSAvoidbarcode durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barcode information is segmented from the main trolley body and placed on a detachable holder that can be removed and replaced. This allows the barcode to be protected from damage during cleaning operations while maintaining documentation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barcode holder is designed to be detachable and repositionable, allowing it to be moved to different locations on the trolley or removed entirely when not needed. This dynamic positioning protects the barcode from soiling and damage while maintaining accessibility for scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If barcodes are placed on a surface facing the guide handle for easy reading, then reading convenience is improved, but the barcode may be obscured by the cleaner's body or equipment during pushing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarcode reading convenienceVSAvoidbarcode visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The barcode is positioned on a vertical or angled surface of the holder rather than a horizontal surface, placing it in a different spatial dimension that is visible to the cleaner's peripheral vision while pushing the trolley, avoiding obstruction by the cleaner's body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable holder acts as an intermediary structure that positions the barcode at an optimal viewing angle and location, separate from the main trolley body, ensuring it remains visible and accessible for scanning regardless of the cleaner's position or movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a detachable holding device is used for the barcode reader, then adaptability and ease of renewal are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarcode holder flexibilityVSAvoidtrolley structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detachable holder is designed with universal attachment features that can be mounted on various trolley models using standard fastening methods. This multi-functional design allows the same holder to work with different trolley types without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The barcode holder is designed as a simple, inexpensive, detachable component that can be easily replaced if damaged or soiled. This disposable-like approach simplifies the overall structure by using basic attachment mechanisms rather than complex integrated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP2121411B1Cleaning cart
Publication Date: 2017.05.31 ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG
  • EP2121411B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning cart, comprising at least three running wheels (1), an undercarriage (2) and superstructures (3, 4, 5) disposed on the undercarriage (2), wherein on one side of the superstructures (3, 4, 5) and/or of the undercarriage (2) at least one guide handle (9) is provided. In order to enable particularly easy reading of characters and/or information carriers on the cleaning cart using an electronic reading device, it is proposed to provide a holding device (10) on the side facing away from the guide handle (9) on the superstructures (3, 4, 5), the device having a surface (11) to which symbols and/or characters readable with an electronic reading device and/or information carriers readable with an electronic reading device are applied.