Cleaning Trolley with Modular Storage for Reconfigurable Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning trolleys lack versatility in storage configuration, limiting their adaptability to different cleaning tasks and user preferences.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning trolley with modular storage devices that can be secured to the frame via detachable holding elements, allowing for user-defined positioning and configuration, including adjustable height and orientation, and interchangeable containers of varying sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If storage devices are fixed in predetermined positions on the cleaning trolley, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different cleaning tasks and user preferences is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different cleaning tasksVSAvoidstorage configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into separate holding elements that can be independently positioned on the frame. Each holding element can be detached and repositioned to different locations, allowing the storage configuration to be segmented and reconfigured based on specific cleaning task requirements without redesigning the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage devices transition from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The holding elements are designed to be detachable and repositionable, enabling the storage system to adapt its configuration dynamically according to different cleaning tasks and user preferences while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If multiple receiving elements are provided at different positions on support parts, then the positioning flexibility of storage devices is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser-defined positioning capabilityVSAvoidframe manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support parts are designed with multiple receiving elements that can serve universal purposes - each receiving element can accommodate different holding elements at different positions. This multi-functional design allows the same support part structure to provide various positioning options without requiring completely different components for each position, balancing manufacturing feasibility with positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for variation in the positional parameters of receiving elements on the support parts. By providing receiving elements at different predetermined positions along the support parts, the system enables adjustment of storage device locations while maintaining the same basic support part structure, thus managing manufacturing complexity while achieving positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If holding elements are made detachable from receiving elements, then the reconfigurability of storage devices is enhanced, but the risk of loss or misplacement of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconfigurability of storage arrangementVSAvoidcomponent retention reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding elements act as intermediary components between the storage devices and the frame's receiving elements. This intermediary design allows for controlled detachment and reattachment while providing a standardized interface that reduces the risk of misplacement. The holding elements can be easily attached and detached while their standardized design ensures they can only be properly connected to compatible receiving elements, maintaining reliability during reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4142560B1Cleaning trolley
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG
  • EP4142560B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4142560B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4142560B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning trolley comprising a frame (16) having a frame lower part (20), a frame upper part (24) and support parts (28), which connect the frame lower part (20) to the frame upper part (24) and which are spaced apart from one another, castors (14) on the frame lower part (20) for moving on a floor surface (12), storage devices (48) for accommodating and/or receiving cleaning accessories, retaining elements (70) for retaining the storage devices (48) and receiving elements (74) arranged on the support parts (28) in a predefined position, wherein the retaining elements (70) can be optionally secured on the receiving elements (74) to adopt different relative positions of the storage devices (48) relative to the support parts (28).