Flat Mop Dual Trigger Release for Touch-Free Cloth Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-operated flat mops require users to directly touch and handle dirty cleaning cloths for removal, which can be unsanitary and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A dual trigger mechanism combined with a ball and socket assembly that allows for the release of disposable microfiber or non-woven cloths from a flat mop without direct user contact, utilizing a push plate and compression springs to disengage retention mechanisms, enabling the cloth to fall away into a trash receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional cloth retention mechanism is used, then the cloth can be securely held during cleaning, but the user must directly touch and handle dirty cloths for removal which is unsanitary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trigger mechanism as an intermediary device between the user and the dirty cloth. When the user pulls the trigger, it activates a release mechanism that detaches the cloth from the mop head without requiring the user to touch the cloth itself. This mediator (trigger mechanism) transfers the removal action from direct manual handling to an indirect actuation system, thereby eliminating sanitation contamination while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a secure cloth retention mechanism is used, then the cloth remains firmly attached during use, but the mechanism for releasing the cloth becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cloth retention and release functions into distinct components: a retention mechanism that holds the cloth securely during cleaning, and a separate trigger-actuated release mechanism. The retention function is maintained through friction fits, springs, or adhesive elements, while the release function is isolated to a simple trigger linkage system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, maintaining high reliability for cloth retention while keeping the release mechanism relatively simple through functional separation.
3Ease of operation
If a simple trigger mechanism is used, then the device remains easy to operate, but it may not provide sufficient force to disengage the cloth retention mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements such as springs that store and release mechanical energy to amplify the force generated by the simple trigger mechanism. When the trigger is pulled, it releases compressed springs that rapidly expand to provide sufficient disengagement force to overcome the retention forces holding the cloth. This dynamic approach allows a small user input force on the trigger to be transformed into a large output force for cloth release, maintaining ease of operation while achieving adequate disengagement force.
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 the sanitary and convenient removal of dirty cloths without user contact, maintaining mop functionality for continuous cleaning with minimal manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a pad made of material such as foam or rubber below the push plate
Data Source
AI summary
A dual trigger member to release a disposable microfiber cloth or non-woven cloth from a flat mop combined with a ball and socket assembly. The flat mop with ball retaining member and dual trigger allow a user to easily change a disposable cloth without touching the cloth. Further, the ball retaining member allows a user full range of movement of the cleaning tool during use resulting in less energy exerted by the user.