Flat Mop Clip Mounting for Low-Debris Cleanroom Wipers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning devices, such as mops, are not well-suited for controlled environments like clean rooms due to generation of debris and contamination, and they often require specialized cleaning methods and materials.
Innovation Solution
A flat mop system with a rigid or flexible base member, secured with resilient clips and a pivot joint, using disposable wipers that are held in place without generating additional debris, and can be used in both wet and dry environments, with components that can withstand sterilization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional star holders with flexible fingers are used to secure wipers, then the wiper is securely held in place, but fibers and debris are generated due to abrading action
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful flexible fingers from the star holder design that cause fiber generation through abrasion. Instead, it uses a flat base member with clips that tethered to the base, eliminating the abrading action while maintaining wiper securing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces clips as an intermediary element between the base member and the wiper. These clips secure the wiper in place without direct abrading contact, using a tethering mechanism that holds the wiper firmly while minimizing harmful fiber generation.
2Reliability
If star holder openings are used to secure wipers, then the wiper is held firmly, but debris and contaminants collect in the openings
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the open finger structure of traditional star holders that create cavities for debris collection. The flat base member with clips provides a smooth surface that prevents contaminant accumulation while maintaining effective wiper holding.
3Productivity
If conventional mops are used in controlled environments, then cleaning of large flat areas is achieved, but the cleaning process generates additional debris
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses disposable wipers that are attached to the mop head using clips. These wipers can be easily replaced when soiled or contaminated, preventing the generation of additional debris from repeated use and cleaning of the same wiper material.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a mop system is designed for controlled environments, then hygiene requirements are met, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mop head design with clips and tethered connections provides universal functionality for securing different types of disposable wipers. The same basic structure serves multiple purposes: securing the wiper, allowing easy replacement, and maintaining hygiene compliance without requiring complex mechanisms.
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 system effectively secures wipers without generating fibers or contaminants, allowing for efficient cleaning in controlled environments while being fully cleanable and compatible with existing wipers, ensuring hygiene and versatility in various cleaning situations.
Implementation Method 1
At least one and preferably a pair of resilient clips are associated with each rail. Preferably, each clip is tethered to the base member or other part of the mop, by a resilient tether.
Data Source
AI summary
A flat mop is used with a disposable wiper. The mop includes a base member having an upper surface and a lower surface. The base member has a projecting securing elements disposed on opposing sides of the upper surface. At least one resilient clip is associated with securing element. A pivot joint has a first receiving portion for mounting to the base member to define a first pivot axis. The pivot joint has a second receiving portion distinct from the first receiving portion and includes an engagement member received in the second receiving portion to defining a second pivot axis spaced from and perpendicular to the first pivot axis. The engagement member includes a coupling portion to mount to a handle. The pivot joint is mounted to the base member for pivoting the base member relative to the pivot joint about two axes. The associated wiper is secured to the base member, positioned on the lower surface of the base member, wrapped around the base member and over the securing elements. The clips are positioned over the associated wiper, on a respective one of the securing elements to secure the wiper to the base member.