Floor scrubber apparatus with releasably locking handle

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microscrubbers lack a versatile handle mechanism that allows for controlled locking of the handle assembly in multiple positions, including an upright use position and a storage configuration, which can lead to operational inefficiencies and potential damage when the handle is left unattended.

Innovation Solution

An articulated, releasably locking joint assembly connects the handle assembly to the base assembly, enabling the handle to be locked in an upright position for temporary use and easily released for versatile movement, with components like a tubular main handle shaft, control shaft, locking sleeve, and linking member allowing axial and radial movements to lock and release the assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handle assembly is made freely pivotal for versatile movement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential damage when left unattended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle movement flexibilityVSAvoidhandle stability when unattended

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly incorporates a locking mechanism that allows it to transition between a locked state (when not in use) and an unlocked state (when in use). The locking mechanism includes a locking member that can engage with a locking surface on the handle shaft, dynamically changing the handle's behavior from fixed to movable based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged when the handle assembly is in the upright position, requiring no active user intervention to secure the handle during storage or transport. The mechanism uses the handle's own position and weight to trigger the locking action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the handle assembly is locked in upright position, then reliability is improved by preventing handle from falling, but ease of operation worsens due to reduced movement flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle stabilityVSAvoidhandle movement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged when the handle assembly is in the upright position, requiring no active user intervention to secure the handle during storage or transport. The mechanism uses the handle's own position and weight to trigger the locking action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism proactively prevents the handle from falling or moving unintentionally by automatically engaging the locking member when the handle is in the upright position, countering potential harmful movements before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to the handle assembly, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle stabilityVSAvoidhandle mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged when the handle assembly is in the upright position, requiring no active user intervention to secure the handle during storage or transport. The mechanism uses the handle's own position and weight to trigger the locking action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a locking member on the control shaft, a locking surface on the handle shaft, and a spring-loaded engagement system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11771292B1Floor scrubber apparatus with releasably locking handle

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 KARMA 360 INC

AI summary

An upright walk-behind microscrubber apparatus including a handle assembly connected to a base assembly, and featuring an improved handle function. The handle assembly is manipulated by the user to operate the apparatus. The apparatus provides a releasable, lockable, joint assembly that connects the handle assembly to the base assembly, whereby the handle assembly is pivotally connected to the base assembly. The joint assembly permits the handle assembly to be disposed in a fully released configuration in which the handle assembly is freely pivotal relative to the base assembly, or in a fully locked position in which the handle assembly is temporarily locked in an upright orientation. The joint assembly permits the base assembly to be released to a use position generally parallel to the floor, or releasably locked in a storage position generally parallel to the handle assembly but with the base assembly's scrubbing brushes removed from the floor.