Flexible Skeletal Duster Head for Curved Surface Reach
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dusting tools with rigid designs struggle to effectively clean curved surfaces and reach edge areas and corners, especially when extended with a rod or pole, due to their inability to conform to remote curved surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A dusting tool featuring a flexible skeletal element with elongated arms and living hinges, allowing for omnidirectional flexibility and resilience to bend around obstacles, coupled with a handle assembly for easy maneuvering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid bar design is used for the dusting tool, then structural strength and stability are improved, but the ability to clean curved surfaces and reach edge areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dusting tool is divided into multiple segments including a handle assembly, an extension rod, and a dusting head with multiple arms. These segments are connected through joints that allow relative movement, enabling the tool to adapt to curved surfaces while maintaining structural integrity through the segmented architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The dusting tool incorporates dynamic elements including telescopic extension rods that can extend and retract, and articulated arms that can move relative to each other. These dynamic components allow the tool to change its configuration to match the geometry of surfaces being cleaned, transitioning from a rigid structure to a adaptable form
2Ease of manufacture
If a rigid bar design is used for the dusting tool, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of operation on remote curved surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is manufactured as separate modular components (handle, extension rod, dusting head with arms) that can be independently produced using standard manufacturing processes, then assembled through simple connection mechanisms. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The tool allows change in geometric parameters including the length of the extension rod (telescopic adjustment) and the relative positions of the dusting arms. These parameter changes enable the tool to adapt to different working distances and surface geometries without requiring complex custom manufacturing
3Length of moving object
If the dusting tool is extended with a rod or pole to reach elevated surfaces, then reach capability is improved, but the ability to conform to remote curved surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The extension rod incorporates telescopic mechanisms that allow it to extend and retract, providing adjustable reach capability. The dusting head with multiple articulated arms can independently position itself to conform to curved surfaces even when extended, combining long reach with surface adaptability through dynamic positioning
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 efficient dusting around objects by transmitting force through cross-members and living hinges, allowing the tool to flex and twist in multiple planes, thus effectively reaching and cleaning curved and elevated surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The arms being flexible and resilient. A plurality of cross-members extend between the elongated arms, a plurality of living hinges being disposed between the plurality of cross-members and the elongated arms. A force applied to at least one of the elongated arms is transmitted to the other of the elongated arm by the plurality of cross-members and the plurality of living hinges.
Data Source
AI summary
A dusting tool having a flexible skeletal element including a base, from which four elongated arms extend. The elongated arms have a base end and a distal end. The base ends extend from the base and being spaced apart from one another at the base. The arms being flexible and resilient. A plurality of cross-members extend between the elongated arms, a plurality of living hinges being disposed between the plurality of cross-members and the elongated arms. A force applied to at least one of the elongated arms is transmitted to the other of the elongated arm by the plurality of cross-members and the plurality of living hinges.