Cleaning Surface Transition Feedback With Deflection Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices lack tactile and/or audible feedback when transitioning between different cleaning states, limiting user awareness and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a deflection member connecting first and second cleaning surfaces, providing tactile and/or audible feedback through transitions between different cleaning states, including configurations with soft and hard brush bristles and varying contact with the surface based on applied force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cleaning device uses multiple cleaning surfaces with different cleaning states (e.g., soft and hard brush bristles), then the device can clean different surfaces effectively, but the user lacks tactile and audible feedback when transitioning between cleaning states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning state transitionVSAvoiduser feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the deflection member that provides tactile and audible signals to the user when transitioning between different cleaning states. The deflection member's movement creates audible clicks or tactile sensations that inform the user of the current cleaning surface engagement, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining multi-state adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If a cleaning device uses a hinged area to transition between cleaning states, then the device can change cleaning states, but the transition lacks tactile and audible feedback to the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning state transitionVSAvoidtransition feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The deflection member is designed to provide tactile and audible feedback during state transitions. As the deflection member moves between positions, it creates audible clicks or tactile sensations that inform the user of the transition, enhancing ease of operation by providing clear operational feedback without complicating the transition mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If a cleaning device has multiple cleaning surfaces that are coplanar, then both surfaces can contact the cleaning surface simultaneously, but the device lacks feedback to indicate which cleaning state is active

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning surface contactVSAvoidactive state indication
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The deflection member provides tactile and audible feedback that indicates which cleaning surface is actively contacting the cleaning surface. When one surface is engaged, the deflection member's position creates distinct tactile or audible signals, allowing the user to identify the active cleaning state even when multiple surfaces are coplanar and potentially contact simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances user awareness and efficiency by ensuring seamless transitions between cleaning states with tactile and/or audible feedback, allowing for optimized cleaning operations.

Implementation Method 1

a deflection member securing the first and second members to one another. The deflection member deflects between a first cleaning state and a third cleaning state... The deflection member provides feedback to a user when transitioning

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3075281B1Cleaning devices having feedback between different cleaning states
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 UNGER MARKETING INTERNATIONAL LLC
  • EP3075281B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3075281B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3075281B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Cleaning devices are provided that have a surface with areas that provide different cleaning states. The areas of different cleaning states are connected to one another by a deflection member that provides tactile and/or audible feedback to the user when transitioning between the different cleaning states.