Foldable Triangular Dustpan for Ergonomic Cleaning Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dustpans are not ergonomic for cleaning and are inefficient in terms of space-saving storage, as they require bending and do not accommodate various broom sizes effectively.

Innovation Solution

A triangular dustpan with a handle that protrudes perpendicularly, allowing ergonomic cleaning without bending, and featuring an articulated connection for compact storage, adjustable length, and an elastic sweeping edge, which can be used with various broom sizes and folded compactly with an attached broom for efficient storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handle is arranged perpendicular to the base body, then ergonomic cleaning without bending is achieved, but the storage space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic cleaningVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the handle and base body is made articulated rather than rigid, allowing the handle to be pivoted and folded against the base body for compact storage, while maintaining the perpendicular ergonomic position during cleaning operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle is designed to fold in a different spatial dimension, rotating from a perpendicular extension into a compact configuration that lies against the base body, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space for storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the dustpan has a symmetrical triangular shape, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to various broom sizes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with broom sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The dustpan transitions from a symmetrical triangular shape to an asymmetrical oblique triangle configuration, with the sweeping edge positioned on the longest leg and side walls of different heights, enabling better adaptation to various broom sizes while maintaining manufacturability through injection molding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Area of stationary object

If the side walls are designed as footprints, then storage footprint is minimized, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage footprintVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side walls are integrated directly into the base body as footprints, merging the support function with the structural body, allowing the dustpan to stand stably on minimal footprint without requiring separate support structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The side walls are designed as thin, integrated footprints that provide sufficient structural support for standing while minimizing material usage and overall footprint area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2015667B1Dustpan

Publication Date: 2010.07.28 CARL FREUDENBERG KG

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AI summary

Dust pan (1) having a basic body (2) which has an essentially triangular base area (3), wherein one edge is designed as a sweeping edge (4) and the other two edges each have a side wall (5, 6), wherein a handle (7) can be fasted to the basic body (2), said handle (7) projecting essentially perpendicularly from the base area (3) when used in accordance with the intended purpose, wherein at least one side wall (5) is used as positioning surface.