Cleaning Element Holding Structure for Low-Resistance Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning tools with sheet-type cleaning elements face challenges in simplifying the structure for holding the cleaning element, which affects ease of attachment and usability.

Innovation Solution

The cleaning element features fusion-bonded parts that form a holding space with a concave portion for secure attachment, reducing sliding resistance and stabilizing the cleaning element, allowing for a simplified holding mechanism and enhanced cleaning performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a traditional holding structure is used for the cleaning element, then the cleaning element can be attached to the holder, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding structure is merged with the cleaning element itself by forming holding protrusions directly on the cleaning element that engage with corresponding recesses in the holder. This integration eliminates the need for separate, complex holding mechanisms while maintaining secure attachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning element is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating holding protrusions that serve both as structural support and as attachment mechanisms. This allows the cleaning element to perform both cleaning and holding functions, simplifying the overall device structure.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If the cleaning element structure is simplified for easier attachment, then the manufacturing process becomes easier, but the voluminous feeling and dust retention capability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddust retention capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning element features local quality variations with denser fiber arrangements in specific regions that enhance dust retention while maintaining an overall simplified structure. This localized optimization ensures reliable dust capture without requiring complex overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning element utilizes composite material structures combining different fiber types and densities to achieve both simplified manufacturing and effective dust retention. The composite structure allows for easy attachment while maintaining high voluminous feeling and cleaning performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If fusion bonded parts are used to attach the cleaning element to the holder, then the attachment becomes secure, but the sliding resistance increases making insertion difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidease of insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment interface is segmented into discrete holding protrusions and corresponding recesses rather than a continuous fusion bonded surface. This segmentation allows for controlled engagement points that provide secure attachment while reducing overall friction during insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding protrusions act as intermediary elements between the cleaning element and holder, providing localized fusion bonding points that ensure secure attachment without requiring extensive surface contact, thereby reducing sliding resistance during insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration simplifies the attachment process, provides a high voluminous feeling for effective dust retention and cleaning, and ensures secure engagement between the cleaning element and holder, improving the overall cleaning experience.

Implementation Method 1

The base sheet and the holding sheet are fusion bonded to each other at a plurality of fusion bonded parts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal bonding: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP1974648B1Cleaning element and cleaning tool
Publication Date: 2012.12.05 UNI CHARM CORP
  • EP1974648B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1974648B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1974648B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is an object of the present invention to provide an effective technique for a higher cleaning effect and higher operability of a cleaning element (110) of a cleaning tool (100). The cleaning element (110) comprises a base sheet (111a), a holding sheet (112), first and second groups of fusion bonded parts (114,115,116) which are discontinuously formed along a predetermined direction to fusion bond the base sheet (111a) and the holding sheet (112) overlaid to each other, and a holding space (118) demarcated by the first and second groups between the base sheet (111a) and the holding sheet (112). The holding space (118) has at least one open end (118a, 118b) in the predetermined direction. The cleaning eletnent (110) is provided with a fusion bonded part (114) having a curved portion (114a) concaved to the holding space (118) for engagement with an attachment (133).