Double-sided mop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floor tools lack the ability to efficiently clean large surface areas while maintaining high performance and extended life, especially when moistened or carrying liquid, and are not easy to use.

Innovation Solution

A double-sided mop design with an embedded semi-permeable layer that divides the mop into two sections, controlling liquid flow between them to manage moisture distribution and prevent excessive liquid transfer, allowing for controlled wetting and even cleaning coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a double-sided mop is used to clean large surface areas, then cleaning coverage and productivity are improved, but liquid transfer between sides causes uneven wetting and reduced cleaning performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidcleaning performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mop is divided into two separate functional sections (first section with first exterior side, second section with second exterior side) that can be independently controlled for liquid distribution. The semi-permeable layer acts as a barrier that segments the liquid flow path, allowing each side to maintain optimal moisture levels for its specific cleaning task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the mop is moistened to improve cleaning ability, then cleaning performance is improved, but excessive liquid transfer reduces control and creates inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning abilityVSAvoidmoisture control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A semi-permeable layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second sections of the mop. This layer selectively controls liquid passage, allowing necessary moisture transfer while preventing excessive liquid migration. The semi-permeable membrane acts as a mediator that maintains optimal moisture balance without requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional fastening methods are used to attach the mop to the head, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability and secure attachment are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment methodVSAvoidattachment security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is extracted into separate, removable components (fasteners on the mop head, corresponding receptacles on the mop). This allows the mop to be easily detached and reattached, providing both ease of manufacture and reliable attachment. The separation of fastening elements enables independent optimization of each component while maintaining secure connection during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 mop provides improved cleaning performance and ease of use over large areas, maintaining consistent wetting of both sides and reducing friction, while maintaining or exceeding the cleaning ability of single-sided mops without significant increases in bulk or weight.

Implementation Method 1

an embedded semi-permeable layer disposed between the first and second sections to limit permeability of liquid flowing from the first side to the second side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSemi-permeable membrane: Semipermeable Membrane

Data Source

PatentEP2967272B1Double-sided mop
Publication Date: 2017.06.07 DIVERSEY INC
  • EP2967272B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2967272B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2967272B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A mop includes a first section having a first side, a second section having a second side, and an embedded, semi-permeable layer disposed between the first and second sections to manage an amount of liquid flowing from the first side to the second side.