Cleaning Pad Attachment Using Movable Pin-Hook Velcro for Secure Hold
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices face issues with the attachment of cleaning pads via Velcro connections, which can be either too weak or prone to damage due to high tensile forces, and may cause scratches on surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a Velcro connection design featuring pin-like shanks with mushroom-shaped or protruding head areas that allow for secure attachment and easy release, minimizing the risk of damage and scratches, and enabling attachment via a smaller Velcro surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional Velcro connection is used to attach the cleaning pad, then the attachment is simple and easy to manufacture, but the holding force is insufficient and the Velcro surface must be large
Solution Approach 1:
The Velcro connection is segmented into two distinct functional parts: a pin-like shank that penetrates the work surface and a head region that provides the hooking surface. This segmentation allows the Velcro surface to be concentrated at the head region, reducing the overall Velcro surface area while maintaining strong holding force through the penetration mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection transitions from a purely surface-based attachment to a three-dimensional structure where the pin-like shank extends through the work surface. This dimensional change enables the Velcro hooks to engage with loops on the cleaning pad from both above and below the surface, dramatically increasing holding force without requiring larger Velcro surface area.
2Reliability
If the Velcro hooks have only a hook area, then the structure is simple, but the connection is prone to damage when pulled off in the perpendicular direction
Solution Approach 1:
The Velcro hook is designed with asymmetric geometry: a pin-like shank that penetrates the surface and a head region with lateral extension. This asymmetric structure provides different functional properties in different directions - strong resistance to perpendicular pulling forces due to the penetration depth, while allowing easier release through lateral movement of the head region.
Solution Approach 2:
The Velcro connection is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The holding elements can move relative to the work surface, allowing the head region to shift laterally during attachment and release. This dynamic capability enables the connection to adapt to different force directions, providing damage resistance during normal use while facilitating easy removal when needed.
3Strength
If the Velcro surface is large, then the holding force is sufficient, but the risk of scratching the surface to be cleaned increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of the Velcro surface is extracted and isolated to the head region of the holding element, which is positioned above the work surface. The pin-like shank penetrates through the work surface, so the Velcro hooks only contact the cleaning pad and not the surface being cleaned, eliminating the scratching risk while maintaining sufficient holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin-like shank acts as an intermediary that transfers the attachment force from the head region through the work surface to the cleaning pad. This intermediary structure allows the Velcro connection to be strong without requiring the Velcro surface to be in direct contact with the work surface, thereby preventing scratches on the cleaned surface.
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 solution provides a strong and secure attachment of cleaning pads to the carrier plate, reducing the risk of accidental detachment and damage, while allowing for easy release and disposal, and preventing scratches on surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the Velcro hooks have a pin-like shank extending from the Velcro surface and a head region extending in at least one transverse direction at the free end of the shank
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning device with a carrier plate (1) having a work surface (A) to which a cleaning pad (5) can be attached via a hook-and-loop fastener so that it is held against the work surface (A). At least one retaining element (6) with a hook-and-loop surface (8) is provided for attaching the cleaning pad (5). Known cleaning devices have the disadvantage that the holding force of the hook-and-loop fastener is insufficient in some applications. The invention improves this by having the retaining element (6) extend through the carrier plate (1) with a section equipped with hook-and-loop fasteners that carries the hook-and-loop surface (8) and is movable relative to the work surface (A).The hook-and-loop fasteners have a pin-like shaft and at the free end of the shaft a head area extending in at least one transverse direction, and the section of the hook-and-loop surface (8) movable relative to the working surface (A) is mounted in such a way that when the hook-and-loop surface (8) is moved in a first direction arranged at an angle to the carrier plate (1), the hook elements are also moved in a second direction running transversely to the first direction.