Foldable Fabric Caddy With Spring Wire Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clean-up processes in the indoor and outdoor industries require multiple tools, leading to inefficiencies and complexity, as users need to switch between different tools for sweeping, raking, carrying, and disposing of debris.
Innovation Solution
A foldable fabric caddy with a flexible 27″ sweeping edge, self-opening spring wire frame, and interlocking handles that functions as a sweeping/raking receptacle, drop-cloth, and carry-all, allowing for single-tool use in clean-up projects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single-purpose tools are used for clean-up tasks, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall clean-up process becomes slower and more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple single-purpose clean-up tools (broom, rake, bag, drop cloth) into a single integrated caddy structure. The caddy includes a receptacle for collecting debris, a built-in rake for gathering debris, a drop cloth for containing messes, and a broom handle for sweeping, all merged into one unified device that eliminates the need to switch between multiple separate tools
Solution Approach 2:
The caddy is designed as a universal clean-up tool that performs multiple functions: it can sweep debris with the integrated broom, rake leaves with the built-in rake, collect debris in the receptacle, and protect surfaces with the drop cloth. This multi-functional design allows one tool to replace several traditional single-purpose tools, improving versatility while maintaining ease of use
2Productivity
If multiple tools are used to accomplish clean-up projects, then specific functions can be performed with dedicated tools, but the number of tools required increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges broom, rake, bag, and drop cloth functions into a single caddy unit, reducing the quantity of tools from four separate items to one integrated device. This consolidation directly improves productivity by eliminating the time and effort required to switch between multiple tools during clean-up operations
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional caddy allows a single tool to perform sweeping, raking, collecting, and surface protection functions, thereby reducing the total number of tools needed while maintaining the ability to perform all necessary clean-up tasks efficiently
3Ease of operation
If a foldable fabric caddy with spring wire frame is used, then the tool becomes more versatile and easier to store, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The caddy employs a dynamic spring wire frame structure that automatically transitions between folded and unfolded states. The spring-loaded frame provides mechanical energy to automatically pop the caddy open when deployed, eliminating the need for manual assembly while the fabric construction allows easy folding for compact storage, thus improving ease of operation with minimal structural complexity
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
Enables faster and more efficient clean-up operations by consolidating functions into a single tool, reducing the need for multiple tools and enhancing usability across various clean-up tasks.
Implementation Method 1
self-opening spring wire frame
Implementation Method 2
spring wire is shown keeping the invention in an open position
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable fabric lawn and indoor/outdoor caddy that opens with a flexible spring wire loaded frame when placed on the ground. Debris/material can be swept/raked into the invention via its flexible 27″ rubber sweeping edge or by other means (shovel, hands, drop-cloth). The invention can then be closed together with its two handles and locked together for transport by the user. A rear fabric handle aides in the dumping/disposal of the aforementioned debris. The invention can then be placed on the ground ready for its next use. The invention can be used for clean-up, yard/garden work, as a drop-cloth, gather trash, and construction debris.