Cleaning device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices have fixed handle lengths and diameters, limiting versatility and making it difficult to interchange different handles and cleaning heads, which restricts user convenience and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A locking mechanism with a female attachment portion on the cleaning head and a male attachment portion on the handle, featuring corresponding triangular cross-sections to prevent rotation and alignment members for secure engagement, allowing for removable and interchangeable attachments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed handle length and diameter are used, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the versatility and interchangeability of handles and cleaning heads are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterchangeability of handles and cleaning headsVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different handle lengths and diameters as well as various cleaning head types. The male attachment portion with locking projection and female attachment portion with receptacle create a standardized connection system that enables multiple cleaning devices to be assembled from a common set of components, achieving multi-functionality and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device is divided into separable components (handle assembly and cleaning head assembly) that can be independently selected and assembled. The locking mechanism enables easy segmentation and reassembly, allowing users to interchange handles and cleaning heads based on specific cleaning needs without requiring a completely different device for each task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism with triangular cross-sections is used, then rotation prevention and alignment are achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement stabilityVSAvoidattachment portion manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The male and female attachment portions feature asymmetric triangular cross-sections with specific geometric profiles. This asymmetric design provides inherent alignment features that guide the components into correct orientation during assembly and prevents rotational movement once engaged. The asymmetric geometry ensures that only one orientation is possible, providing reliable alignment and rotation prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex mechanical fasteners or threaded connections to prevent rotation, the patent inverts the approach by using the basic geometric shape of the attachment portions themselves (triangular cross-sections) to provide anti-rotation functionality. The shape of the components directly accomplishes the alignment and rotation prevention functions that would otherwise require additional mechanical features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If removable attachments are implemented, then user convenience and customization are enhanced, but the connection strength and stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly and disassembly easeVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism incorporates a resilient locking projection that can dynamically change its engagement state. The locking projection is designed to be deflectable, allowing it to flex during the assembly process to enable easy insertion, then spring back to lock securely in the engaged position. This dynamic behavior provides both ease of assembly/disassembly and strong connection when engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient locking projection provides self-locking functionality without requiring additional fasteners, tools, or complex mechanisms. When the male and female attachment portions are brought together, the locking projection automatically deflects and engages with the receptacle, creating a secure connection. The self-service nature of this mechanism maintains connection strength while enabling easy user assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 the use of various handles and cleaning heads with different lengths and diameters, enhancing user convenience and efficiency by allowing for customizable cleaning devices and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.

Implementation Method 1

The locking projection is resiliently deflectable in a deflection direction perpendicular to an insertion direction of the handle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10940581B2Cleaning device

Publication Date: 2021.03.09 WINSTON PRODS LLC

AI summary

A cleaning device having a cleaning head assembly and a handle assembly is provided. The assemblies are removably attached to one another by a locking mechanism that includes a female attachment portion having a receptacle and being affixed to a cleaning head, and a male attachment portion having a locking projection and being affixed to a handle and adapted for removable engagement with the female attachment portion. The locking projection on the male attachment portion is biased to engage the receptacle in the female attachment portion so as to releaseably lock the cleaning head and the handle together.