Floor cleaning device and method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mops are cumbersome and difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, posing a challenge for effectively cleaning corners and baseboards without straining the user, particularly for individuals with disabilities or the elderly.

Innovation Solution

A floor cleaning device with a mop head and an extendable corner brush mechanism, allowing the corner brush to be extended and retracted via a locking mechanism operated by a knob, enabling efficient cleaning of hard-to-reach areas without requiring users to bend or strain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a mop is used to clean floors, then large hard surfaces can be cleaned effectively, but the mop head is bulky and difficult to maneuver in tight spaces such as corners or around baseboards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidmaneuverability in tight spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mop system is segmented into two distinct components: a standard mop head for general floor cleaning and a separate corner brush attachment for tight spaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between overall cleaning efficiency and maneuverability in tight spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The corner brush is designed with an extendable handle that can be deployed when needed and retracted when not in use. This dynamic configuration allows the mop to adapt between its standard compact form for general cleaning and an extended form for corner cleaning, maintaining ease of operation while providing access to tight spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a person gets down on the floor to clean corners and baseboards manually, then tight spaces can be cleaned, but the user experiences physical strain and exhaustion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to tight spacesVSAvoidphysical strain on user

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The corner brush attachment acts as an intermediary tool that extends the user's reach to corners and baseboards without requiring direct physical contact with the floor. The extendable handle and brush configuration allow cleaning of tight spaces while the user remains in a comfortable standing position, eliminating physical strain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an extendable corner brush mechanism is added to the mop, then accessibility to tight spaces is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to corners and baseboardsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The corner brush attachment is designed to nest within or attach to the existing mop handle structure. When not in use, the corner brush can be stored within the handle or attached in a compact configuration, minimizing the increase in device complexity while maintaining adaptability for corner cleaning when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11395572B2Floor cleaning device and method

Publication Date: 2022.07.26 TIDWELL FRANKIE DENIECE

AI summary

A floor cleaning device and method include mop head, including cleaning fibers, a corner brush coupled to an extendable member and extendable from a center of the mop head, and an inner handle including knob for engaging and disengaging a locking mechanism for locking corner brush in position. Floor cleaning device and method is useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas of floors without the need for excessive bending or hand scrubbing.