Cleaning Implement Holder With Friction Locking for Stable Scrubbing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning implements, such as sponges and mesh balls, face challenges in reaching inaccessible areas and maintaining optimal contact with surfaces due to relative movement, especially when dealing with hot or caustic solutions, requiring a means to stabilize and extend the user's reach while allowing easy attachment and detachment.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a handle with a blade and channel structure that securely holds compressible cleaning implements, providing translational and rotational stability through frictional engagement, allowing for effective scrubbing in hard-to-reach locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cleaning implements are held loosely for easy attachment and detachment, then ease of operation is improved, but stability and control during cleaning deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidstability during cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holder employs a dynamic retention mechanism where the elastic band provides continuous radial pressure to maintain the cleaning implement in the grooves during use, while allowing simple radial insertion and removal. The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic elastic connection that maintains stability during operation but allows easy attachment and detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the cleaning implement is allowed to move freely relative to the surface being cleaned, then ease of operation is improved, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreedom of movementVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder employs a dynamic retention mechanism where the elastic band provides continuous radial pressure to maintain the cleaning implement in the grooves during use, while allowing simple radial insertion and removal. The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic elastic connection that maintains stability during operation but allows easy attachment and detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the traditional mechanical rigid connection system with an elastic field-based retention system. The elastic band creates a restoring force that continuously acts on the cleaning implement, providing stable retention without rigid mechanical constraints, thereby maintaining cleaning effectiveness while allowing natural movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a rigid connection is used between holder and cleaning implement, then stability is improved, but ease of attachment and detachment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of connectionVSAvoidease of attachment and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holder employs a dynamic retention mechanism where the elastic band provides continuous radial pressure to maintain the cleaning implement in the grooves during use, while allowing simple radial insertion and removal. The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic elastic connection that maintains stability during operation but allows easy attachment and detachment.

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 enables secure attachment and stability of cleaning implements, enhancing control over the cleaning process and allowing for effective cleaning of hard-to-reach areas without user hand exposure to harsh solutions.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the first and second channel edges may respectively define first and second circumferentially directed points configured to poke into the compressible material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8312586B2Device for holding cleaning implements

Publication Date: 2012.11.20 CHEN JAMES

AI summary

A device for holding and manipulating compressible cleaning implements is disclosed wherein the cleaning implements may be made from a compressible material and may have a compressible portion. The device may include a handle. A blade may be attached to the handle. An outer blade edge may surround the blade. An opening through the blade may be defined by an inner blade edge. A channel may pass through the blade and may extend from the inner blade edge to the outer blade edge, and may be defined by a first channel edge and a second channel edge. The compressible portion of the cleaning implement may be passed through the channel into the opening and may be held in the opening by engagement with the inner blade edge. Each of the first and second channel edges may respectively define first and second circumferentially directed points configured to poke into the compressible material.