Low cost cleaning head for cleaning devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cleaning devices are inefficient in handling both wet and dry debris, requiring multiple devices and resulting in increased time, mess, and maintenance, with existing combination tools often becoming unsanitary or developing odors if not properly cleaned.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a connector housing and removable cleaning head featuring a foldable portion, suction inlet, and dirt collection chamber, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, and a linkage assembly for securement, which enables efficient collection of debris using a single device capable of handling both wet and dry media.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cleaning devices are used to handle both wet and dry debris, then cleaning versatility is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single cleaning device that can handle both wet and dry debris through removable cleaning heads. The device body remains universal while the interchangeable heads provide specialized functionality for different cleaning scenarios, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cleaning device into a reusable body and disposable cleaning heads. This segmentation allows the complex multi-functional capability to be achieved through modular components, where the body provides power and control while the heads provide specialized cleaning functions for wet or dry debris.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If combination cleaning devices are used to handle both wet and dry media, then cleaning versatility is improved, but after-use maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning versatilityVSAvoidafter-use maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the disposable principle by making the cleaning heads disposable rather than reusable. After use, the cleaning head is simply removed and discarded, eliminating the need for cleaning and maintenance of the head components. This is particularly beneficial for wet cleaning scenarios where the head becomes soiled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies extraction by removing the soiled cleaning head from the device body after use. This separation allows the main device body to remain clean and reusable, while only the disposable head requires disposal. The extraction of the contaminated component simplifies maintenance significantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If traditional vacuum cleaners are used for dry debris, then dry debris removal is effective, but setup time and convenience worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedry debris removal efficiencyVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the cleaning head removable and interchangeable. The user can quickly swap between different head types depending on the cleaning task, allowing the device to adapt dynamically to different scenarios. This improves ease of operation compared to fixed-function devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing a single device body that can perform both dry and wet cleaning functions through interchangeable heads. This eliminates the need for users to set up separate vacuum cleaners and mops, reducing setup time while maintaining effectiveness for both dry debris removal and wet cleaning.

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

Data Source

PatentUS12059118B2Low cost cleaning head for cleaning devices
Publication Date: 2024.08.13 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
  • US12059118B2 patent drawing
  • US12059118B2 patent drawing
  • US12059118B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cleaning head is provided having a support structure having a front edge. A foldable portion is coupled to the support structure at least partially along the front edge. A receptacle is connected to the foldable portion and defining a chamber therein. A suction inlet is arranged within the foldable portion for allowing debris to flow into the chamber. A cleaning pad is positioned underneath the support structure. An attachment tab extends from a rear edge of the cleaning pad.