Molded Squeegee-Broom Head With Multi-Material Blade Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices, such as brooms with attached squeegees, face issues like costly manufacturing processes, excessive parts, durability problems, and the use of uniform materials, which need to be addressed to create more efficient and effective cleaning tools.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing cleaning devices where a squeegee blade is molded from one material and a head member from a harder material, with bristles and a handle attached, allowing for varying material usage and improved durability, and a sweeping apparatus design with a squeegee blade partially embedded in a slot of the head member for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing manufacturing processes are used for cleaning devices with squeegees, then the devices can be produced, but the manufacturing processes are costly, time-consuming, and complex with excessive parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (squeegee blade, head member, and securing structure) into a single integrated molded part. The head member is molded with an integrated slot and securing features that directly attach the squeegee blade, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, adhesives, or assembly steps. This merging of components reduces both manufacturing complexity and the total number of parts while maintaining functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The head member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as the structural support, the mounting mechanism, and the securing feature for the squeegee blade. The integrated slot and molded-in securing features provide both structural attachment and functional operation in a single component, reducing the need for separate specialized parts.
2Reliability
If existing cleaning devices are manufactured, then they can function, but they have durability issues and may use parts made of the same material when varying materials would be preferred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different materials to different parts of the cleaning device based on their specific functional requirements. The squeegee blade is made from a flexible, elastomeric material suitable for scraping surfaces, while the head member is made from a rigid, durable material providing structural support. This localized material selection optimizes the performance and durability of each component for its specific function rather than using a uniform material throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device utilizes a composite construction with the squeegee blade made from an elastomeric material and the head member made from a rigid plastic material. This composite approach combines the advantages of different materials - the flexibility and sealing capability of elastomers with the strength and durability of rigid plastics - to create a more reliable and long-lasting device.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-material design is used for the cleaning device, then manufacturing is simpler, but durability and functionality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple materials into a single integrated molded part. The head member is molded to directly receive and secure the squeegee blade in a single manufacturing operation, combining what would traditionally be separate parts made from different materials. This approach maintains the durability benefits of multi-material construction while simplifying manufacturing by eliminating separate assembly steps for attaching different material components.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to cleaning devices adapted to sweep floors with an attached squeegee, and to methods of manufacturing such cleaning devices. In one embodiment of the invention, a squeegee blade may be molded out of a first material. Subsequently, a head member may be molded, out of a second material of greater hardness than the first material, to a first portion of the previously molded squeegee blade. Bristles and a handle may be attached to the head member.