Connection device for connecting cleaning carts and cleaning system comprising two or more cleaning carts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for cleaning carts are cumbersome and difficult to use due to obstructed user view and unreliable positioning, making it challenging to connect cleaning carts effectively.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with first and second connecting parts, each having a base region and a projection region, featuring locking elements that engage transversely and perpendicularly to facilitate easy alignment and secure locking, allowing for reliable and user-friendly connection of cleaning carts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If connection devices are arranged near ground level for cleaning carts, then the connection height is reduced and more compact, but the user's view is obstructed and proper relative positioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting parts are arranged laterally side-by-side in a direction transverse to the connecting direction, moving the connection interface from a vertical ground-level arrangement to a horizontal lateral arrangement. This dimensional change allows the user to view and operate the connection device from above without obstruction, while maintaining a compact overall profile.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cleaning carts are connected near ground level, then the connection structure is more compact, but the cleaning cart can inadvertently move on the ground surface making proper positioning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging the projection regions laterally side-by-side rather than vertically aligned near ground level, the connection interface is elevated to a plane where inadvertent roller movement does not interfere with positioning accuracy. The lateral arrangement provides a stable reference plane for alignment.
3Ease of operation
If locking elements are arranged in lateral side-by-side relation transverse to connecting direction, then alignment and positioning is simplified, but the connection device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting parts feature an asymmetric design with projection regions extending laterally from a base region, creating a T-shaped or L-shaped configuration. This asymmetric geometry provides inherent alignment cues and simplifies the connection process by guiding the carts into proper relative positioning, offsetting the increased structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connection device for connecting a first cleaning cart to a second cleaning cart along a connecting direction, each configured for receiving cleaning utensils and comprising rollers for moving on a ground surface, wherein the connection device comprises a first connecting part fixed or fixable to the first cleaning cart and a second connecting part fixed or fixable to the second cleaning cart, wherein the respective connecting part comprises a base region and a projection region projecting therefrom in a direction towards the respective other connecting part, wherein a first locking element is arranged at the first projection region of the first connecting part and a second locking element is arranged at the second projection region of the second connecting part, wherein the locking elements are configured to be in engagement with one another when in a locking position and to be out of engagement when in an unlocking position, and wherein the projection regions are arranged transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the connecting direction, in lateral side-by-side relation to one another. The invention further relates to a cleaning system with two or more cleaning carts and a connection device.