Handheld cleaning apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handheld cleaning tools are difficult for individuals with fine motor skill challenges or disabilities to use due to complex attachment mechanisms and require multiple tools for different surfaces, leading to inefficiency and waste.

Innovation Solution

A handheld cleaning apparatus with a pivotably connected cleaning head featuring a compressible body and removable cleaning material that clings without direct attachment, allowing for easy change and disposal, and an adjustable handle for various surfaces and heights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional attachment mechanisms (snapping, elastic bands, adhesive strips) are used to secure cleaning cloths, then the cleaning device can effectively hold the cleaning material, but it becomes difficult for individuals with fine motor skill challenges, arthritis, or sensitive fingers to attach the cleaning attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidease of attaching cleaning material

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment mechanisms (snapping, elastic bands, adhesive strips) with a magnetic field-based attachment system. The cleaning head contains a magnet array that generates a magnetic field to hold the cleaning cloth, which has corresponding magnetic properties. This substitution eliminates the need for manual manipulation of small components, making attachment easy for individuals with fine motor skill challenges while maintaining secure holding of the cleaning material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple specialized cleaning tools are used for different surfaces and heights, then each surface can be cleaned with the appropriate tool, but the number of tools increases and creates inefficiency and waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectiveness for specific surfacesVSAvoidnumber of tools needed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal cleaning head that can effectively clean multiple surface types (floors, walls, windows, ceilings) through magnetic attachment of various cleaning materials. The cleaning head can be attached to different handle configurations to reach various heights and surfaces. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining effective cleaning performance across different surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates an adjustable handle mechanism that allows the handle length to be dynamically changed. This enables the cleaning device to reach different heights and surfaces (from floor level to ceiling height) without requiring multiple tools with fixed handle lengths. The cleaning head can also be detached and reattached to different handle configurations based on the specific cleaning task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If disposable cleaning attachments are used, then cleaning can be simple and effective, but additional waste is created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of cleaningVSAvoidwaste generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic attachment system allows cleaning materials to be easily detached from the cleaning head after use. The cleaning head with its magnet array can hold and release cleaning cloths simply by adjusting the magnetic field strength or physically detaching the cloth. This enables recovery and reuse of the expensive cleaning head component while the disposable element is only the cleaning cloth itself, reducing overall waste compared to completely disposable cleaning devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 solution simplifies cleaning by eliminating the need for complex attachments, enabling quick and efficient surface cleaning across multiple surfaces without additional tools, reducing waste and improving accessibility for users with disabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The cleaning head may include a magnet array configured to generate a magnetic field to attach the cleaning cloth to the cleaning head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a compressible body and a cleaning material removably secured via clinging to the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11998153B2Handheld cleaning apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 POST KENNETH

AI summary

A cleaning apparatus having a handle and a cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a base pivotably connected to the handle, a body affixed to the base and opposite the handle; and a cleaning material removably secured via clinging to the body opposite of the base and free of direct attachment to the base. The cleaning apparatus may find particular use in cleaning one or more surfaces which may include wiping, sweeping, dusting (e.g., dry, damp, or both), mopping (e.g., dry, damp, wet, or a combination), scrubbing, polishing, the like, or any combination thereof.