Multi-purpose cleaning trowel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning devices face issues with pad security, limited force application, and difficulty in identifying contaminants, especially in poor lighting conditions, and are not well-suited for surfaces with dried or hardened particles.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose cleaning trowel with a flexible section, blade section, and interchangeable handling devices, including a light source for illumination, and a secure cleaning pad attachment system to address these challenges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a releasable fastener is used to secure the pad to the head, then the pad can be easily attached and removed, but the fastening strength decreases after repeated use causing the pad to become loose or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into a flexible section and a rigid section, with the flexible section acting as an elastic retention mechanism that secures the pad through mechanical interlocking rather than relying on degrading fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible section provides dynamic retention that adapts to repeated attachment and removal cycles, maintaining securing force through elastic deformation rather than losing strength like conventional fasteners
2Ease of operation
If an elongated handle is used to reach distant surfaces, then the user can clean floors and hard-to-reach areas, but the force application to the surface is limited and the device becomes awkward for nearby surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device is made interchangeable and adjustable in length, allowing the user to configure the device dynamically based on the cleaning task - using longer handles for distant surfaces and shorter configurations for nearby surfaces, thereby optimizing both reachability and force application
Solution Approach 2:
The handling device serves multiple functions by being interchangeable and adjustable, working effectively for both floor cleaning requiring reachability and counter cleaning requiring force application
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If poor lighting conditions exist, then it becomes difficult to identify areas needing cleaning, but adding lighting increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting function is merged with the handling device, integrating illumination capabilities into the existing structure without adding separate lighting systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical/optical illumination (lights) for enhanced visibility, replacing the need for complex environmental lighting modifications or multiple devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A multipurpose cleaning trowel is provided. The cleaning trowel includes a base having a first side, a second side, a flexible section, a blade section, and a mounting section positioned between the flexible section and the blade section. The cleaning trowel further includes a handling device removably secured to the first side of the base at the mounting section and a cleaning pad receiving region. A cleaning pad is removably secured to the base. The handling device is interchangeable between a fixed handle and a swivel base.