Surface cleaning tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning tools for interior cylindrical surfaces, such as pipes and channels, face challenges in effectively navigating and cleaning surfaces with reduced diameters due to rigid designs that hinder easy insertion and thorough cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning tool with a resiliently flexible panel supported by a frame that allows for adjustable movement, featuring angled surfaces and pins, enabling the panel to bend and fit snugly into constricted spaces, combined with a pivotable handle attachment for enhanced maneuverability and cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid cleaning tool design is used, then structural strength is maintained, but the tool cannot effectively navigate constricted areas with reduced diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool incorporates a dynamic support structure where the panel can move relative to the frame. The panel is supported at its end portions on the frame in a manner that allows movement, enabling the tool to adapt to varying pipe diameters while maintaining structural integrity through controlled motion rather than rigid fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool uses a resiliently flexible panel as the cleaning surface. This flexible panel can bend and conform to the interior cylindrical surfaces being cleaned, allowing the tool to navigate constricted areas with reduced diameters while the rigid frame provides overall structural support.
2Ease of operation
If a rigid cleaning tool design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but insertion into constricted spaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with movable panel supports that allow the panel to shift position relative to the frame. This dynamic configuration enables easier insertion into constricted spaces while maintaining a relatively simple overall manufacturing process for the frame and panel components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool allows for adjustment of the panel position and orientation through the movable support mechanism. By changing the spatial parameters of the panel relative to the frame, the tool can be adapted for easier insertion into various constricted configurations without requiring complex manufacturing.
3Reliability
If the panel is fixed in position on the frame, then structural stability is maintained, but cleaning thoroughness in constricted areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is supported on the frame in a manner that allows controlled movement while maintaining stability during operation. The movable support mechanism enables the panel to adjust to constricted areas for thorough cleaning, yet the panel remains sufficiently stabilized to perform reliable cleaning functions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a centered panel configuration is used, then symmetry is maintained, but adaptability to constricted areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is intentionally positioned asymmetrically on the frame, closer to one end than the other. This asymmetric configuration provides better adaptability to constricted areas and varying pipe diameters. The asymmetry is managed through the movable support mechanism that allows adjustment while maintaining functional simplicity.
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 tool effectively cleans interior cylindrical surfaces, including those with reduced diameters, by allowing for closer panel movement and easier insertion, ensuring thorough cleaning and improved access to constricted areas.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently flexible panel supported at opposite end portions of the support structure or frame
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning tool has a frame supporting a resiliently flexible panel supported by the frame in an arcuate configuration such that at least one of first and second opposite end portions of the resiliently flexible panel can be moved closer to the other end portion.