Modular Broom Head Design for Compact Storage and Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing broom blocks face storage challenges due to bulky individual parts, such as plates and caps with lamellae, which are difficult to stack and store efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A modular design where second cleaning elements, like lamellae, are arranged on a separate module that can be inserted into the plate, allowing the plate and cap to be easily stacked and stored as flat parts, and quickly assembled into a broom block with a handle attachment mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the plate and cap are manufactured with integrated lamellae as separate bulky parts, then the cleaning function is improved, but the storage efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning functionVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The broom block is divided into three separate components: a plate with first cleaning elements, a cap, and a separate module containing the second cleaning elements (lamellae). This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and stored independently in a compact form, with the lamellae module being flat and insertable into the plate, thereby reducing storage space requirements while maintaining the complete cleaning function when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The module containing the lamellae is designed to be inserted into a recess in the plate, creating a nested structure where the second cleaning elements are housed within the overall broom block assembly. This nesting approach allows the lamellae to be stored compactly within the plate structure rather than as a separate bulky component, improving storage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the plate and cap are manufactured separately with lamellae, then the cleaning performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost and storage difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and storage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning elements are segmented into two types: first cleaning elements (bristles) integrated into the plate, and second cleaning elements (lamellae) contained in a separate module. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of each component and enables flat, compact storage of the lamellae module, reducing both manufacturing complexity and storage costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The module containing the lamellae is designed with a flat geometry, changing from a bulky three-dimensional form to a two-dimensional compact shape. This dimensional change allows the module to be stored efficiently in flat configurations and facilitates easy insertion into the plate during assembly, reducing storage space and handling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the lamellae are attached directly to the plate or cap, then the cleaning function is improved, but the storage and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning functionVSAvoidassembly and storage complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lamellae are separated from the plate and cap into an independent module, which simplifies the overall assembly structure. This module can be easily inserted into the plate as a single unit, reducing assembly complexity compared to attaching individual lamellae directly to the plate or cap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lamellae are pre-assembled into a complete module before being integrated with the plate and cap. This preliminary assembly of the cleaning elements into a self-contained unit simplifies the final assembly process and reduces the risk of loss or misplacement of individual components during manufacturing and storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2793645B1Broom head
Publication Date: 2017.06.07 CARL FREUDENBERG KG
  • EP2793645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2793645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2793645B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In respect of the problem of indicating a broom head (1) which can be produced such that its individual parts are easy to store, wherein the individual parts are fixed to one another following production of the broom head, said broom head (1) comprising a basic body (2) with a plate (3), from which project first cleaning elements (4) for directing towards a surface which is to be cleaned, wherein the plate (3) also has second cleaning elements (5), which assist the cleaning performance of the first cleaning elements (4), projecting from it, is characterized in that the second cleaning elements (5) are arranged on a module (6) which can be introduced, as a separate individual part, into an aperture (9) of the plate (3) such that the second cleaning elements (5) engage through the plate (3).