Flat Mop Suction Bellows Dispensing for Controlled Liquid Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing apparatuses for flat mops are inefficient in delivering cleaning liquids to the surface during use, lacking effective mechanisms for consistent and controlled liquid release.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing apparatus incorporating a liquid release bottle with suction bellows or a flexible squeeze bottle, integrated into the mop handle, which uses a one-way valve and flexible tubing to dispense cleaning liquids onto the surface as the mop is pushed or scrubbed, enhancing the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fluid dispensing apparatus is incorporated into a flat mop, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid dispensing apparatus with the flat mop handle by integrating the bottle, pump mechanism, and dispensing nozzle into a single unified structure. The bottle is positioned within the handle, the pump is mechanically linked to the handle movement, and the nozzle extends from the handle to dispense fluid directly onto the cleaning surface, eliminating the need for separate dispensing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The flat mop handle serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the mop head, acts as a mechanical pump through reciprocating motion, serves as a reservoir support structure, and functions as a dispensing system through the integrated nozzle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
2Reliability
If a suction bellows mechanism is used to create suction within the liquid release bottle, then consistent liquid dispensing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction bellows is designed as a dynamic component that expands and contracts in response to the reciprocating motion of the mop handle. During the push stroke, the bellows contracts to create suction that draws liquid from the reservoir through the one-way valve and into the dispensing nozzle, providing consistent liquid flow without requiring additional actuators or control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The suction bellows mechanism is passively actuated by the natural reciprocating motion of the mop handle during normal use. The handle's back-and-forth movement automatically compresses and expands the bellows, creating the suction needed for liquid dispensing without requiring separate power sources, motors, or control systems
3Reliability
If a one-way valve is incorporated into the liquid release bottle, then controlled liquid flow is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve is integrated directly into the liquid release bottle structure, specifically positioned at the outlet where liquid is dispensed. This extraction of the valve function from a separate component and its incorporation into the bottle wall creates a simple, reliable flow control mechanism that prevents backflow while maintaining unidirectional liquid dispensing through the nozzle
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
Ensures consistent and controlled dispensing of cleaning liquids onto the surface, improving the cleaning efficiency by utilizing suction or pressure to release liquids through the tubing, thereby enhancing the scrubbing action of the mop.
Implementation Method 1
The exterior wall includes a suction bellows to create a suction within the interior chamber of the liquid release bottle
Implementation Method 2
The liquid release bottle also includes a one-way nipple valve located in the housing affixed to a shaft at a lower end of the liquid release bottle
Implementation Method 3
The flexible tubing extends through an interior hollow chamber of the handle and adjoining yoke
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispenser having a liquid release bottle with suction bellows which is incorporated into a flat mop. This embodiment includes an exterior wall, an interior chamber surrounded by an exterior wall and a cap on the liquid intake member. The exterior wall includes a suction bellows to create a suction within the interior chamber of the liquid release bottle. A downward force on the handle activates a suction bellows to create a suction on the interior chamber of the liquid release bottle enabling fluid retained in the interior chamber to flow out of a duck-bill valve and into flexible tubing which will then flow through the tubing and out an opening of a yoke so that the fluid can flow onto a front of a scrubbing portion of the mop to facilitate cleaning. An alternative embodiment replaces the liquid release bottle with a liquid squeeze bottle.