Floor maintenance tool with mop release mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floor maintenance tools often lack ergonomic design, making it difficult and inefficient to attach and detach cleaning implements, leading to increased user effort and reduced work quality.

Innovation Solution

A floor maintenance tool with a telescoping handle and a tool head that uses an actuator mechanism to attach and detach a mop without requiring the user to touch the mop or tool head, featuring angled and straight sliding pins for secure attachment and easy detachment, along with a cable system for manipulating engagement panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional floor tools use pockets, tabs, or hook and loop fasteners to attach the mop, then the mop can be attached to the frame, but the user must handle the mop directly which increases effort and reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mop attachmentVSAvoidtime to attach and detach mop

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tool head automatically attaches and detaches the mop pad through its own movement and mechanism operation, without requiring the user to manually handle the mop. The engagement panels and pins work together to secure the mop pad automatically when the tool head is positioned correctly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces engagement panels with pins as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the mop pad. The user operates the tool head, which then uses the engagement panels and pins to attach/detach the mop pad, eliminating direct user contact with the mop itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the tool requires manual handling of the mop for attachment and detachment, then the user has direct control, but this encumbers the process and reduces user efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser efficiencyVSAvoidoperational convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool head performs the attachment and detachment operations automatically through its own movement and integrated mechanisms, making the tool serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention for mop handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the mop handling function from the user's direct actions and transfers it to the tool head's automated mechanisms, specifically the engagement panels and pins that secure the mop pad without user contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the tool head is in contact with the floor during mop detachment, then the mop can be released, but there is risk of damage to the pins and potential for improper disposal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of pins from damageVSAvoidmop disposal convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool head is lifted off the floor before the mop pad is detached, performing this action in advance to prevent the pins from contacting the floor and potential damage. This preliminary lifting action ensures the pins remain protected throughout the detachment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by lifting the tool head to prevent the harmful effect of pin contact with the floor. This counteracts the potential damage before it can occur during the mop detachment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Productivity

If single-sided or double-sided mops are used with traditional attachment methods, then the mop can clean floor surfaces, but the process of attaching and detaching is time-consuming and effort-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidtime for mop attachment and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tool head automatically manages the attachment and detachment of the mop pad through its own movement and integrated engagement mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual handling and significantly reducing the time required for these operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement panels with pins serve as an intermediary mechanism that automatically secures and releases the mop pad when the tool head is positioned and operated correctly, reducing the time and effort needed for attachment and detachment compared to traditional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2844123B1Floor maintenance tool with mop release mechanism

Publication Date: 2021.07.14 DIVERSEY INC

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AI summary

A floor maintenance too! including a handle and a tool coupled to the handle. The tool head includes a frame that supports a first engagement panel and a second engagement panel, with each panel disposed on an underside of the frame. The tool also includes a cable that extends between the tool head and the handle and that is coupled to the first engagement panel and the second engagement panel. An actuator mechanism is coupled to the cable and is manipulatable to move at least one of the first engagement panel and the second engagement panel via the cable relative to the frame to selectively engage and disengage a mop pad relative to the tool head.