Flexible Multi-Ridge Wiper Design for Hard-to-Reach Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices are inadequate for effectively reaching and cleaning difficult-to-access locations, such as the inside of food and beverage dispensing equipment, due to limited flexibility and cleaning surface capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a handle and a wiper featuring a flexible region and multiple ridges that allow for resilient elongation, compression, and flexion, combined with a cleaning cloth, enables effective cleaning of hard-to-reach areas by providing multiple cleaning edges and secure attachment to the handle, utilizing materials like silicone and thermoplastic elastomers for enhanced flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cleaning device uses a rigid structure, then it provides structural strength and stability, but it cannot flex to reach difficult-to-access locations
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper is divided into multiple segments including a head portion, a body portion with multiple ridges, and a flexible region. This segmentation allows each portion to perform specific functions while the flexible region enables the wiper to bend and reach difficult-to-access locations without compromising the structural integrity of the cleaning surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper incorporates a flexible region made of elastomeric material that allows the wiper to bend and flex. This flexible portion enables the cleaning device to adapt to complex geometries and reach into tight spaces while the rigid ridged portions maintain structural strength for effective cleaning.
2Productivity
If a wiper has a simple single-surface design, then it is easier to manufacture, but it cannot clean both internal and external surfaces effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper features ridges with different surface characteristics at different locations - the external surface has ridges for cleaning outer surfaces, while the internal cavity has ridges for cleaning inner surfaces. This local differentiation allows the single wiper component to effectively clean both internal and external surfaces of equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper is designed as a multi-functional component that can clean both external and internal surfaces. The body portion with ridges on the external surface and the internal cavity with ridges on the inner surface allow one wiper to perform multiple cleaning functions, increasing productivity without requiring multiple separate cleaning tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wiper is made from a single rigid material, then it maintains structural integrity, but it cannot resiliently elongate or compress to fit tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper is constructed from elastomeric material with specific durometer ranges (Shore A 20-100) that provide the necessary balance between flexibility and structural integrity. The material properties are selected to allow resilient elongation and compression while maintaining the structural integrity needed for effective cleaning surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper combines elastomeric material properties to achieve both flexibility and structural integrity. The elastomeric composition allows the wiper to resiliently deform to fit tight spaces while maintaining the rigid enough structure to provide effective cleaning surfaces through the ridges.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a wiper is made as a single unitary piece, then it is easier to manufacture, but it cannot provide both flexibility and multiple cleaning surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper is designed as a unitary molded piece that is functionally segmented into a head portion, a body portion with ridges, and a flexible region. This functional segmentation within a single molded component allows the wiper to provide both flexibility and multiple cleaning surfaces while maintaining ease of manufacture through single-shot molding processes.
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 device effectively cleans both internal and external surfaces of equipment by flexing to fit complex geometries, ensuring thorough cleaning and efficient application of cleaning chemicals, even in tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible region allows the wiper to resiliently flex in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle, to resiliently elongate along the longitudinal axis, to resiliently compress along the longitudinal axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A cleaning device is provided that includes a handle and a cleaning implement depending from the handle. The cleaning implement has a wiper including a plurality of ridges and a flexible region. The plurality of ridges provide a plurality of cleaning edges to the wiper and the flexible region secures the wiper to the handle.