Floor Cleaning Apparatus with Movable Stabilizers to Prevent Toppling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steam mops are prone to toppling when stored, especially on inclined surfaces, due to their weight compressing the cleaning pad and the handle's elongated design increasing the likelihood of tilting.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating movable stabilizers that deploy from a stowed position to a side position on the steam mop, increasing its stability by altering the center of mass and preventing pad compression, while maintaining a larger cleaning area without protruding from the bottom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle is made large or elongate for manoeuvring, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates due to increased likelihood of tilting and toppling
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilisers are designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between a stowed position during cleaning operations and a deployed position during storage. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt its stability characteristics based on operational context, maintaining manoeuvrability during use while providing enhanced stability during storage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the stabiliser is fixed in a deployed position, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to interference with cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The stabiliser transitions from a fixed deployed position to a movable configuration that can be stowed during cleaning operations. This allows the stabiliser to provide stability when needed (during storage) while not interfering with the cleaning function when the mop is in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabiliser is designed as a separate, movable component that can be independently positioned relative to the main body of the steam mop. This segmentation allows it to be deployed for stability during storage while being stowed clear of the cleaning area during operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the stabiliser protrudes from the bottom of the cleaning head, then stability is improved, but area of cleaning head deteriorates due to reduced working area
Solution Approach 1:
The stabiliser is designed to move between a stowed position that does not protrude from the bottom during cleaning operations and a deployed position that extends outward to provide stability during storage. This dynamic positioning allows the full cleaning area to be utilized when needed while providing stability when the mop is stored.
Data Source
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AI summary
A floor cleaning apparatus comprises a floor cleaning head having a top, a bottom, and a side extending between the top and the bottom, wherein the bottom is for facing a floor during cleaning of the floor. A floor cleaning pad is coupled to the bottom of the floor cleaning head. At least one stabiliser, wherein the, or each, stabiliser is connected to the floor cleaning head is movable relative to the floor cleaning head from a stowed position to a deployed position at the side of the floor cleaning head for increasing stability of the apparatus.