Cleaning Device Handle with Orientation-Dependent Flexion and Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices lack the ability to be both flexible and rigid as needed, failing to effectively reach hard-to-clean areas and apply varying levels of cleaning pressure.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a handle featuring a structural rib encased in an elastomeric member, allowing flexible deflection in one orientation and resisting flexion in another, enabling the device to adapt to different cleaning scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the handle is made flexible to reach hard-to-reach places, then the ability to access confined areas is improved, but the ability to apply different levels of cleaning pressure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to reach hard-to-reach placesVSAvoidability to apply cleaning pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The handle incorporates a deflection zone with specific local properties (elastomeric material) that allows flexibility in one direction while maintaining rigidity in another direction, enabling the handle to simultaneously provide adaptability for reaching confined areas and structural support for applying cleaning pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Force

If the handle is made rigid to apply different levels of cleaning pressure, then the control over cleaning force is improved, but the ability to flex into hard-to-reach places deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol over cleaning forceVSAvoidability to flex into hard-to-reach places

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The deflection zone is positioned at a specific location in the handle with localized elastomeric properties, creating an asymmetric structure that provides rigidity where force application is needed and flexibility where access to confined areas is required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 user to apply different cleaning pressures and reach hard-to-reach areas by providing a flexible and rigid handle configuration, enhancing cleaning efficiency and effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The structural rib is encased in an elastomeric member so that the structural rib and the elastomeric member define a deflection zone that allows resilient flexion when forces are applied along a first axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the structural rib and the elastomeric member define a deflection zone that allows resilient flexion when forces are applied along a first axis but resists flexion when forces are applied along a second axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRigidity:

Data Source

PatentEP2965677B1Cleaning devices with selectively flexible or rigid handles

Publication Date: 2021.10.06 UNGER MARKETING INTERNATIONAL LLC

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AI summary

A cleaning device is provided that has a handle configured to provide flexion in a first orientation but to provide rigidity in a second orientation. In this manner, the user can use the handle in the first orientation to allow the cleaning device to flex into hard to reach places and can use the same handle in the second orientation to apply differing levels of cleaning force.