Cleaning Tool Coupling Device for Trolley Shelf and Drawer Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Cleaning trolleys with protruding handles obstruct access to upper shelves and drawers, making it inconvenient for operators to store and retrieve tools, as handles are typically secured along the perimeter edge, limiting access and requiring operators to move around the trolley to access tools on the opposite side.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device that allows for easy and ergonomic coupling and decoupling of cleaning tool frames to a trolley without manual contact, using a connection system with three parts: a lower part for stable fixation, an intermediate part for holding the frame, and an upper part with releasable connection devices that enable tool exchange with a single handle movement, keeping the frame stable and ready for reconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If handles are secured along the perimeter edge of the trolley, then tool retention is achieved, but access to upper shelves and drawers is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool retentionVSAvoidaccess to shelves
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device transfers tool retention from the upper perimeter edge (2D surface) to the lower perimeter edge (different 2D surface), effectively changing the spatial dimension of attachment. This vertical displacement resolves the conflict by placing handles in a location that does not interfere with shelf access while maintaining secure tool retention through the same coupling mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tools are retained on the trolley, then tool availability is increased, but access to drawers becomes prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool availabilityVSAvoiddrawer access
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple tools are retained at the lower perimeter edge of the trolley, utilizing the lower horizontal dimension rather than the upper perimeter. This spatial reorganization allows tools to be distributed around the lower edge without blocking the vertical access path to drawers and shelves, maintaining high tool availability while preserving full drawer accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3858212B1Cleaning item including a cleaning tool and a device for coupling/uncoupling and retaining to a fixed structure, or a mobile one or to a trolley, the frame of cleaning tools
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 TTS CLEANING SRL
  • EP3858212B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3858212B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3858212B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Device for connecting and retaining the frame of cleaning items and/or cleaning tools to a fixed or mobile structure or a trolley.