Floor cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floor cleaning apparatuses, such as steam mops, are prone to toppling when stored due to their weight compressing the cleaning pad, especially on inclined surfaces, and existing solutions like deployable legs can cause pad snagging issues or require modifications.
Innovation Solution
A floor cleaning apparatus with movable stabilizers that deploy from a stowed to a deployed position when the handle is stored, increasing stability without obstructing the pad's size or requiring holes, and a mechanism that absorbs handle movement without forcing stabilizer deployment, ensuring the apparatus remains stable even when obstructed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle is made large or elongate for ease of operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the apparatus deteriorates due to increased likelihood of tilting and toppling
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is divided into multiple segments that can deploy independently from the floor cleaning head, allowing the stabilizing function to be separated from the handle structure, thus resolving the conflict between handle size and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer transitions from a static stowed position during operation to a dynamic deployed position during storage, allowing the apparatus to adapt its stability characteristics based on operational state, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If deployable legs are added to increase stability, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases and pad snagging issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is merged with the floor cleaning head structure, sharing common components and mounting points, which reduces overall device complexity while still providing the required stability function
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer structure serves multiple functions: providing stability during storage, acting as a support during pad attachment/removal, and potentially serving as a mounting structure for other components, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated structures
3Stability of the object's composition
If the stabilizer deployment mechanism is directly connected to handle movement, then the stability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when obstruction occurs causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient apparatus is pre-installed in the stabilizer deployment mechanism to cushion against obstructions before damage can occur, absorbing excess force and preventing mechanical failure when the stabilizer encounters resistance during deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient apparatus acts as an intermediary element between the handle movement mechanism and the stabilizer, mediating the force transmission and preventing direct transfer of excessive forces that could cause damage
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 apparatus remains stable when stored, preventing toppling on inclined surfaces and allowing for larger pads without snagging, while maintaining usability and avoiding damage from obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
the mechanism comprises a resilient apparatus that is arranged to bias the first and second members apart
Data Source
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AI summary
A floor cleaning apparatus comprises a floor cleaning head having a bottom for facing a floor during cleaning of the floor. At least one stabiliser is provided, wherein the, or each, stabiliser is connected to the floor cleaning head and is movable relative to the floor cleaning head from a stowed position to a deployed position for increasing stability of the apparatus. A handle is connected to the floor cleaning head, wherein the handle is movable relative to the floor cleaning head from an operative position to a stored position to cause the, or each, stabiliser to move relative to the floor cleaning head from the stowed position to the deployed position. The handle is movable relative to the floor cleaning head from the operative position to the stored position without causing the, or each, stabiliser to move relative to the floor cleaning head to the deployed position, when movement of the, or each, stabiliser relative to the floor cleaning head to the deployed position is obstructed.