Modular Cleaning Device with Single-Handed Replacement Head Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices struggle with efficiently handling mixed media debris, requiring multiple tools and resulting in high setup times, messy cleanups, and user discomfort due to the need for manual handling of non-rigid cleaning sheets and potential hand wetting.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device system with a selectively attachable replacement head featuring a plastic tray with a dust bin and filter, allowing for easy attachment and detachment with minimal effort, using a mechanical connection that can be completed with one hand, and angled interior walls for proper alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a non-rigid cleaning sheet is used with a handle, then the cleaning device can be simple and inexpensive, but the user must manually wrap the sheet around the handle which requires both hands and is awkward

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning device structureVSAvoidsheet attachment process

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is divided into separate modular components: a handle assembly and a replaceable head assembly. The head assembly includes a rigid support structure that holds the cleaning sheet, separating the functions of handling and cleaning. This allows the sheet to be pre-attached to the head in a factory setting rather than requiring manual wrapping by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A rigid support structure (tray) acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the cleaning sheet. This intermediary component provides a stable base that simplifies the attachment process, allowing the sheet to be secured to the rigid structure rather than requiring direct manual wrapping around a flexible handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a combination tool for both dry and wet media is used, then all types of debris can be handled, but the set-up time is higher and after-use maintenance is especially high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris handling capabilityVSAvoidset-up and maintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system employs dynamically replaceable components - specifically, the cleaning head and sheet can be quickly swapped between uses. The head assembly can be detached and reattached to the handle in minutes, allowing rapid transition between different cleaning tasks and media types without extensive reconfiguration or cleaning of the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning sheet is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that can be discarded after use or quickly swapped for a fresh sheet. This eliminates the need for time-consuming cleaning and maintenance of the sheet itself, while the durable head and handle assemblies can be reused multiple times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If pre-wetted cleaning sheets are used, then wet cleaning capability is improved, but users must get their hands wet to use the mop

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewet cleaning capabilityVSAvoiduser hand wetting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wetting function is extracted from the user's hands and transferred to the cleaning sheet itself. The sheet is pre-moistened or contains moisture-retaining materials that activate upon contact with the cleaning surface, eliminating the need for the user to manually apply water or get their hands wet during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If a mechanical connection system is used for attaching the replacement head, then the connection can be secure, but the attachment process may require two hands and be complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidattachment effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is inverted from traditional designs where the user actively engages connectors. Instead, the head assembly is designed to passively engage with the handle through a snap-fit or gravity-assisted mechanism where the handle is inserted into the head and the connection is secured automatically, allowing one-handed operation while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11116371B2Cleaning device system and method for use

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC

AI summary

A cleaning device is removably attachable to a replacement head. The replacement head includes pad that is attached to the lower side of an attachment member and is in contact with the floor during cleaning. The cleaning device is removably attached to the attachment member of the replacement head by lowering the cleaning device body downward vertically onto the replacement head until a mechanical connection is achieved.