Cleaning Sheet Tension Structure for Bulky Surface Sweeping

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing cleaning tools with sheet-type cleaning elements held by bifurcated holders fail to efficiently utilize the sweeping-out function of fiber assemblies due to the sheet-like form, limiting the effectiveness of the cleaning process.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning tool design featuring a cleaning sheet with distinct high-rigidity and low-rigidity regions, where the holder applies tension to the sheet to form a tension part, allowing the sheet to be held in a bulky state and enhancing the sweeping-out function by increasing contact with surfaces, thereby improving cleaning efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cleaning element is held in sheet-like form by the holder, then the cleaning element can be easily held and positioned, but the sweeping-out function of the fiber assembly cannot be efficiently utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of holdingVSAvoidcleaning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning element is designed to dynamically change its shape from a planar sheet-like form during insertion to a bulky three-dimensional form during cleaning operation. The holder applies tension to transform the cleaning element's configuration, enabling the fiber assembly to protrude and utilize its sweeping-out function effectively while maintaining ease of handling during insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the cleaning element is changed from a flat, two-dimensional sheet to a volumetric, three-dimensional bulky form through tension application. This parameter change in shape and volume allows the fiber assembly to extend outward and engage with surfaces for effective sweeping-out action, resolving the contradiction between ease of holding and cleaning efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the cleaning element is kept in planar form, then the holder structure can be simple, but the fiber assembly cannot effectively contact and sweep surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholder structure complexityVSAvoidsweeping-out function
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than designing a complex holder to force a bulky shape, the invention uses a simple tension-applying holder that allows the cleaning element to dynamically transform from planar to bulky form during operation. This dynamic approach maintains holder simplicity while enabling effective surface contact through the cleaning element's own structural response to tension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the cleaning element is transformed to bulky state, then the fiber assembly can effectively sweep surfaces, but the holder insertion becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesweeping-out functionVSAvoidinsertion ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning element is designed to be in a pre-compressed or folded state that allows easy insertion into the holder. Once inserted, the holder's tension application triggers the transformation to the bulky operational form. This preliminary configuration resolves the contradiction by enabling easy insertion first, followed by automatic transformation to the effective cleaning configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning element undergoes a dynamic transformation sequence: starting in a compact planar form for easy insertion, then transitioning to a bulky three-dimensional form after insertion when tension is applied. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize for insertion ease and then for cleaning effectiveness at different operational stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2954826B1Cleaning tool
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 UNI CHARM CORP
  • EP2954826B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2954826B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2954826B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide a cleaning tool with which a cleaning sheet can be efficiently used during cleaning. [Solution] The present invention relates to a cleaning tool (100) comprising a holding tool (110) for holding a cleaning sheet (140). In a state in which holding parts (130) of the holding tool (110) are inserted into insertion parts (180) of the cleaning sheet (140), tension imparting parts (190) of the holding parts (130) impart tensile force on second regions (180B) of the cleaning sheet (140) to form tension portions (191), and sheet members (151) in the tension portions (191) in a length-intersecting direction (X) are moved in directions in which first regions (180A) are disposed.