Cleaning devices having selectively flexible or rigid handles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices lack the ability to selectively switch between flexible and rigid modes, making it difficult to clean hard-to-reach locations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a handle, a cleaning implement, a flexible neck, and a collar that moves between unrestricted and restricted positions, allowing for varying levels of flexion and rigidity depending on the user's needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the handle is made flexible to allow cleaning in hard-to-reach places, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle incorporates a flexible neck portion that allows dynamic adjustment between rigid and flexible states. The neck can be bent to desired angles and will maintain its position, enabling the handle to adapt to different cleaning scenarios while maintaining structural integrity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is divided into distinct segments: a rigid distal end portion, a flexible neck portion, and a proximal end portion. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the rigid portion provides structural stability while the flexible neck provides adaptability for reaching difficult areas.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the handle is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible neck portion transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic element that can be actively bent and positioned. This allows the handle to maintain rigidity for structural stability while providing flexibility when the user needs to reach hard-to-access areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cleaning device is made fully flexible to reach hard-to-reach areas, then the adaptability is improved, but the cleaning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device separates the flexible positioning function (handled by the flexible neck) from the precision cleaning function (handled by the rigid cleaning head). This segmentation allows the head to maintain manufacturing precision while the neck provides adaptability for accessing difficult areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible neck adds a dimensional aspect to the device's capability, allowing it to reach into spaces that would otherwise be inaccessible. This dimensional flexibility is achieved without compromising the precision of the cleaning head, which maintains its rigid structure for accurate cleaning operations.
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 provides enhanced cleaning capabilities by allowing users to flex the handle for hard-to-reach areas and maintain rigidity when needed, offering adjustable stiffness and improved cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomeric member provides elastomeric or resilient properties to the flexible neck
Data Source
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.