Lockable Floor Cleaner Joint for Stable Tilt Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor cleaning machines require users to manually support the weight of the machine body when tilted, and they lack the ability to maintain a stable tilt without user effort.
Innovation Solution
A joint system for floor cleaning machines comprising a first portion, a second portion articulated to the first, and a third portion articulated to the second, with stable inclination means connected to a single lever, allowing independent and stable tilt of the machine body with respect to the cleaning portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the machine body is tilted with respect to the cleaning portion to improve maneuverability, then the user can navigate obstacles and adjust to different floor conditions, but the user has to support the weight of the machine body which increases physical effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a support mechanism that acts as a counterweight system, where a support member (leg or wheel) extends from the machine body to provide upward support force. This counteracts the weight of the machine body during tilted configurations, reducing the gravitational load that the user must support and thereby decreasing physical effort while maintaining maneuverability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the machine body is tilted with respect to the cleaning portion, then the user can adapt to different working conditions, but the tilt cannot be maintained stably without continuous user effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-stabilizing mechanism where the support member automatically adjusts and locks into position to maintain the tilted configuration. The mechanism includes positioning members (such as teeth, lugs, or cam surfaces) that engage with corresponding receptacles or grooves to self-lock the tilt angle, allowing the system to maintain its configuration without continuous user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic support mechanism that can transition between extended and retracted states, and between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements, providing stable tilt maintenance when needed and flexible adjustment when required
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 users to work without bearing the weight of the machine body, even when tilted, and maintains a stable tilt once set, improving user convenience and reducing manual effort.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arranged in the drum and adapted to push the drum away from the ring
Implementation Method 2
a cable connected to the drum and to the lever
Implementation Method 3
a lever arranged outside the joint and connected to the cable
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A joint (10) for floor cleaning machines (11), comprising: - a first portion (16), - a second portion (17) which is articulated to the first portion (16), - a third portion (19) which is articulated to the second portion (17); the joint (10) comprises: - first means (18) for the stable inclination of the second portion (17) with respect to the first portion (16), - second means (20) for the stable inclination of the third portion (19) with respect to the second portion (17), the first stable inclination means (18) and the second stable inclination means (20) being connected to a single lever (21) and being operable by the single lever (21).