Resilient Curved Mop Frame for Even Pressure and Lower Stiction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flat mop frames experience deflection during use, leading to non-uniform cleaning pressure and reduced effectiveness at the terminal ends, and accumulate debris, causing inefficiencies and increased difficulty in movement due to 'stiction'.
Innovation Solution
A deformable mop frame with a concave lower face and hooking elements that flexes upon force application, providing even pressure distribution and reducing debris accumulation by maintaining hooking elements off the surface when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flat mop frame is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pressure distribution is non-uniform causing poor cleaning performance at terminal ends
Solution Approach 1:
The mop frame is designed with a curved lower surface instead of a flat one. The curvature allows the frame to conform to the floor surface and distribute pressure more evenly across the entire cleaning element, including the terminal ends that previously had poor contact and cleaning effectiveness.
2Force
If additional force is applied by the user, then the central pressure increases, but the terminal ends deflect further away from the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The curved geometry of the mop frame creates a distributed spring effect where force applied at the center is naturally distributed along the curve to the terminal ends. This eliminates the need for additional user force and prevents the deflection problem where terminal ends lift away from the surface.
3Ease of manufacture
If hooking elements are placed on a flat surface, then attachment is straightforward, but debris accumulates on hooks making them less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The hooking elements are positioned on a curved surface that arches away from the floor. This curvature prevents debris, hair, and fibers from accumulating on the hooks, maintaining their attachment effectiveness over time while still allowing straightforward integration into the frame structure.
4Area of stationary object
If a large surface area is used for cleaning, then more floor coverage is achieved, but stiction increases making the mop difficult to move
Solution Approach 1:
The curved lower surface of the mop frame reduces the actual contact area with the floor compared to a flat frame of the same dimensions. The arching geometry creates a natural lift that reduces friction and vacuum effects, making the mop easier to move while still maintaining large cleaning coverage through the extended surface area of the cleaning element.
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 solution ensures uniform cleaning pressure across the entire mop face, enhances cleaning efficiency, reduces debris collection, and minimizes 'stiction' issues by allowing the mop to easily lift away from the surface when resistance is encountered.
Implementation Method 1
the mop frame is flexibly resilient such that the arch will collapse upon application of force corresponding to normal mopping through the handle structure and will thereafter recover upon removal of the applied force
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of hooking elements may extend downwardly from the underside of the frame for reversible attachment to loops on the upper surface of the cleaning element to form a hook and loop style attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A mop tool incorporating a resilient deformable polymer mop head adapted to operatively connect to an elongated handle. The mop head has a concave lower face for positioning in opposing relation to a disposable cleaning element. Hooking elements project downwardly away from the lower face for operative engagement with the disposable cleaning element. The concave lower face defines a resilient collapsible arch having an apex substantially at the center of the mop head.