Cleaning devices having selectively flexible or rigid handles

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for cleaning devices that can selectively transition between flexible and rigid states to effectively clean hard-to-reach locations, as existing devices often lack the necessary adaptability.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a handle, a cleaning implement, and a flexible neck that includes a collar allowing for adjustable flexion, featuring a telescoping mechanism and elastomeric properties to provide varying levels of stiffness based on orientation, enabling both deep reach and high cleaning force applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the handle is made flexible to reach hard-to-access locations, then the ability to clean hard-to-reach places is improved, but the cleaning force and structural stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to reach hard-to-access locationsVSAvoidcleaning force

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The handle incorporates a flexible section with a collar mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment between flexible and rigid states. The collar can be moved to different positions along the flexible section, enabling the user to selectively engage or disengage the rigidity feature based on whether maximum flexibility or maximum cleaning force is needed for the current cleaning task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stiffness parameter of the handle is made variable through the collar mechanism. By moving the collar along the flexible section, the structural parameter of rigidity can be changed on-demand, allowing the handle to transition between a flexible state for reaching awkward locations and a rigid state for applying substantial cleaning force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If the handle is made rigid to provide structural stability and cleaning force, then the cleaning force and stability are improved, but the ability to navigate hard-to-reach areas deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning forceVSAvoidability to navigate hard-to-reach areas

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The collar mechanism enables dynamic reconfiguration of the handle's structural properties. When the collar is positioned to engage the flexible section, the handle becomes rigid for stable, forceful cleaning operations. When the collar is moved to disengage, the handle becomes flexible for navigating around obstacles and reaching difficult locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The structural rigidity parameter of the handle is made adjustable through the collar mechanism. This allows the user to change the handle's mechanical properties from rigid to flexible based on the specific cleaning requirements, providing both high cleaning force capability and adaptability for hard-to-reach areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the neck is made highly flexible to increase adaptability, then the ability to reach difficult locations is improved, but the level of control and precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidcontrol

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The collar mechanism provides dynamic control over the neck's flexibility. By adjusting the collar position, the user can control the degree of flexibility, thereby maintaining both adaptability for reaching difficult locations and sufficient control for precise cleaning operations as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The device effectively navigates hard-to-reach areas with flexible necks and applies higher cleaning forces when needed, providing a versatile solution for diverse cleaning tasks with adjustable stiffness and feedback mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

the elastomeric member provides elastomeric or resilient properties to the flexible neck

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The collar moves with respect to the flexible neck between a first position where movement of the flexible neck is unrestricted by the collar and a second position where movement of the flexible neck is restricted by the collar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11006738B2Cleaning devices having selectively flexible or rigid handles

Publication Date: 2021.05.18 UNGER MARKETING INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

A cleaning device is provided that includes a handle, a cleaning implement, a flexible neck, and a collar. The cleaning implement depends from one end the handle. The flexible neck is positioned to allow flexion of the handle. The collar moves with respect to the flexible neck between a first position where movement of the flexible neck is unrestricted by the collar and a second position where movement of the flexible neck is restricted by the collar.