Hinged Mop Base With Hidden Release for Narrow-Space Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mop bases often compromise on ease of use, handling, and cleaning due to complex designs that prioritize specific features over practicality, and lack a simple kinematic release system that prevents interference with objects during cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A mop base with a pair of hinged half-frames that maintain a mop in a stable, parallel configuration, allowing easy wringing and rotation, featuring a hidden uncoupling element and limiters to prevent protrusion and snagging, enabling safe use in narrow spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mop base uses a complex design to prioritize specific features, then those specific features are improved, but ease of use and practicality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mop base is divided into two independent half-frames that can function separately or together. Each half-frame can independently hold a mop, allowing the device to adapt to different cleaning scenarios while maintaining simple, intuitive operation for each individual frame
Solution Approach 2:
The dual half-frame design enables the mop base to perform multiple functions: holding mops during cleaning, storing mops when not in use, and allowing easy access to mops without detaching the base from the floor. Both frames share the same structural design, making the system universally applicable to various cleaning needs
2Ease of operation
If the mop base has protruding parts to enable wringing, then wringing capability is improved, but interference with objects in the cleaning area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wringing mechanism is nested within the half-frame structure itself. The wringer rollers are positioned inside the C-shaped profile of each half-frame, allowing wringing to occur without external protruding parts that could interfere with objects in the cleaning area
Solution Approach 2:
The holding function and wringing function are merged into a single integrated half-frame structure. The same C-shaped frame that holds the mop also contains the wringing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate wringing devices that would add protruding parts
3Ease of operation
If the kinematic release system is made simple to activate, then ease of operation is improved, but stability during use may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system uses dynamic elastic elements that automatically adjust to maintain stability. The elastic pieces engage with the half-frames to provide continuous holding force, and the uncoupling elements can be easily activated to release the mops when needed, balancing stability and ease of release
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic retention elements automatically engage and disengage the mops without requiring complex manual operation. The system self-regulates the holding force through the elastic properties of the components, providing stable retention that releases easily when the uncoupling elements are activated
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the mop base is designed with long-limbed profiles to avoid interference, then interference with objects is reduced, but adaptability to narrow spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single large base is segmented into two compact half-frames. This segmentation reduces the overall footprint and allows the mop base to fit into narrow spaces while maintaining sufficient clearance from objects through the C-shaped profile of each half-frame
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a horizontal spread-out profile to a vertical C-shaped profile. This dimensional change allows the half-frames to clear objects on the floor while maintaining a compact footprint that can adapt to narrow cleaning spaces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Improved mop base capable of using both surfaces of a normal mop arranged parallel to one another.