Cordless Mop with External Base Station for Controlled Fluid Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current floor cleaning methods using mops are inefficient due to the need for repeated soaking and squeezing of wet cloths, excessive detergent use, and the burden of carrying cleaning fluid reservoirs, which prolong cleaning time and increase the risk of cross-infection.
Innovation Solution
A cordless cleaning device with a mop and external base station that supplies a controlled amount of cleaning fluid, including steam, directly to the mop head when in contact, eliminating the need for buckets and reducing the weight and inconvenience of carrying fluid reservoirs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional mops with buckets are used, then cleaning fluid can be continuously supplied, but the cleaning process becomes time-consuming due to repeated soaking and squeezing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cleaning fluid reservoir from the mop handle and places it in a stationary base station. The mop head automatically receives cleaning fluid through capillary action when docked at the base, eliminating the need for manual soaking and squeezing operations that plague traditional bucket-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mop head automatically replenishes its cleaning fluid supply by docking with the base station. The capillary channels in the mop head structure enable automatic fluid transfer without user intervention, making the system self-servicing and eliminating repetitive manual operations.
2Ease of operation
If cleaning fluid reservoirs are integrated into the mop, then fluid can be dispensed during cleaning, but the device becomes heavier and less maneuverable
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into two parts: a lightweight, maneuverable mop unit for cleaning operations, and a stationary base station containing the heavy fluid reservoir. This separation allows the moving mop to remain light while the stationary base provides unlimited fluid supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary that stores the cleaning fluid and automatically supplies it to the mop head through capillary channels. This mediator eliminates the need to carry fluid reservoirs during cleaning operations.
3Productivity
If excessive cleaning fluid is dispensed, then surfaces can be thoroughly wetted, but drying time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mop head structure incorporates capillary channels with specific dimensions and distributions that control fluid flow locally. This ensures cleaning fluid is delivered precisely where needed on the mop head surface, preventing over-wetting and reducing drying time while maintaining effective cleaning.
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 device provides efficient cleaning with reduced detergent use, faster drying times, and enhanced sanitation, while being lightweight and easy to maneuver, capable of cleaning large areas without the need for constant electrical connection.
Implementation Method 1
the base section further comprises one or more nozzles through which at least a portion of the cleaning fluid is released and supplied to the mop head, when the mop head is in contact with base section of the external base station
Implementation Method 2
which is supplied with a heated cleaning fluid, in particular with steam
Implementation Method 3
a heating element, positioned after the pump, adapted to heat the cleaning fluid supplied by the pump
Implementation Method 4
a pump adapted to convey the cleaning fluid from the reservoir towards the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for cleaning planar surfaces such as floors, walls, ceilings, countertops, glasses, in particular for floors cleaning, comprising a mop and an external base station, wherein the external base station comprises a reservoir of cleaning fluid and it supplies said cleaning fluid to said mop, when the mop is in contact with a section of the base station. In a preferred embodiment the cleaning fluid is water and the device comprises a heating element is adapted to vaporize the cleaning fluid which is released through the one or more nozzles in the form of steam.