Cleaning tool and cleaning element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning tools with sheet-type cleaning elements face challenges in achieving a smoother cleaning operation, particularly on flat, curved, uneven, or stepped surfaces, as they often require excessive wrist stabilization and do not effectively utilize both sides of the cleaning element for efficient dirt removal.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning tool with a cleaning element holder and elongate split cleaning parts, where the cleaning element consists of fiber assemblies and nonwoven fabric sheets bonded together, allowing for stable wiping angles and reduced friction, enabling efficient cleaning on various surfaces by radiating fibers and split pieces that can be reused or disposable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a sheet-type cleaning element is used, then the cleaning tool can cover a larger area, but the cleaning operation becomes less smooth and requires excessive wrist stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element is divided into multiple independent cleaning parts (first cleaning part, second cleaning part, etc.) that can flex independently. Each cleaning part has its own support structure allowing it to conform to surface contours separately, enabling smooth cleaning operation across large areas without requiring excessive wrist stabilization.
2Device complexity
If a single cleaning element structure is used, then the construction is simpler, but the ability to clean both sides effectively is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element is segmented into multiple cleaning parts where at least some parts have cleaning surfaces on both sides. This segmentation allows both sides of the cleaning element to contact and clean the object surface simultaneously or sequentially, effectively utilizing both sides for dirt removal while maintaining a relatively simple overall construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning parts are designed to extend in multiple directions from the support structure, with cleaning surfaces oriented in different spatial dimensions. This allows the cleaning element to engage with the object surface from multiple angles and sides, effectively utilizing both sides of the cleaning element for cleaning operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cleaning element is made rigid to maintain stable wiping angle, then the wiping angle stability improves, but the friction with the object surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element is divided into multiple independent cleaning parts, each with its own support structure. This segmentation allows each cleaning part to maintain a stable wiping angle relative to its support structure while independently conforming to surface contours, reducing overall friction during cleaning operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning parts are designed with flexible support structures that allow dynamic adjustment and movement. This enables the cleaning parts to adapt to surface variations while maintaining stable wiping angles during the actual cleaning motion, reducing friction without sacrificing angle stability.
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 tool allows for stable and efficient cleaning operations on diverse surfaces, reducing friction and enhancing dust removal capabilities, with the ability to be used multiple times or as a disposable option, providing a light and effective cleaning experience.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber assembly and a nonwoven fabric sheet which are overlaid one on the other and bonded together via a bonded part extending in the longitudinal direction
Data Source
AI summary
It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for realizing smoother cleaning operation in a cleaning tool having a cleaning element for cleaning an object to be cleaned. According to a representative cleaning tool, a cleaning element 110 includes a plurality of elongate split cleaning parts 123, 123 having respective insert regions 115 for receiving the associated holding elements. Each of the split cleaning parts 123 includes a fiber assembly 117 formed by a plurality of fibers extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the split cleaning part, and a nonwoven fabric sheet 113, 114, 118 made of nonwoven fabric. The fiber assembly 117 and the nonwoven fabric sheet 113, 114, 118 are overlaid one on the other and bonded together via a bonded part extending in the longitudinal direction.