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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination dustpan and brush tools have limited utility and configurability due to their rigid design, which restricts their versatility in cleaning applications.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning tool with a dustpan and brush that features varying flexibility along its ends, where the first end is more rigid and the second end is flexible, allowing for a tapered channel that accommodates the brush through an interference or friction fit, enabling easy attachment and detachment without fasteners, and allowing the dustpan to be used as both a scoop and a shovel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the dustpan is made rigid, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dustpan is designed with varying wall thicknesses along its length, creating regions of different rigidity. The first end has thicker walls for rigidity to break up clumps, while the second end has thinner walls for flexibility to conform to surfaces, resolving the contradiction between overall structural strength and local adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dustpan channel is divided into distinct segments with different flexibility characteristics - a rigid first end portion and a flexible second end portion. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specialized function independently while being part of a unified structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dustpan is made flexible, then adaptability and surface contact are improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dustpan is designed with varying wall thicknesses along its length, creating regions of different rigidity. The first end has thicker walls for rigidity to break up clumps, while the second end has thinner walls for flexibility to conform to surfaces, resolving the contradiction between overall structural strength and local adaptability.
3Reliability
If the brush connection is permanent, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The brush connection system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable connection. The tapered channel with interference fit allows the brush to be securely held during use while enabling easy removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and operational flexibility.
4Reliability
If the brush connection uses fasteners, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener components are completely removed from the design. Instead of using separate screws, clips, or latches, the brush connection relies solely on the interference fit within the tapered channel, achieving reliable connection through the dustpan's geometry alone and eliminating additional parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered channel geometry automatically provides the retention force needed to hold the brush in place during use. The interference fit creates friction and mechanical engagement that secures the brush without requiring any additional active retention mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The prevent invention relates to a cleaning tool comprising: a body (17) and upstanding side walls (14,16), the body (17) and side walls (14,16) defining a channel to collect debris, the side walls (14,16) comprising retaining means configured to retain a brush in use. The channel comprises a first end (20) axially spaced from a second end (22), where one of the first end (20) and/or second end (22) comprises a different flexibility than the remainder of the channel.