Mop Base Slot Mechanism for Automatic Cloth Detachment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for releasing and detaching cleaning cloths from mop bases struggle with cloths made of thin, flimsy materials that adhere to the base due to electrostatic charges and lack sufficient weight to detach under gravity.

Innovation Solution

A release and detachment device that includes a raised cover with a central slot and claw-configured edges, allowing the mop base to tilt and pass through the slot, thereby detaching the cloth from the base without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If disposable cloths made of thin synthetic materials are used, then cost is reduced and replacement frequency increases, but the cloths adhere to the base due to electrostatic charge and cannot be detached automatically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecloth costVSAvoidcloth detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on the cloth's weight to detach it from the base (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using the base's mechanical movement through the slot to actively pull the cloth off the base. The slot's edges engage with the cloth and exert detachment force during the base's upward motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The slot acts as an intermediary mechanism between the base and the cloth. It provides a mechanical interface that converts the base's upward movement into cloth detachment force, overcoming the electrostatic adhesion without requiring manual intervention or relying on cloth weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the cloth weight is increased to overcome adhesion, then detachment under gravity becomes possible, but the cloth loses its disposable and lightweight characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic detachmentVSAvoidcloth weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary action by positioning the base (with the cloth attached) into the slot before the detachment process. The slot's geometry is pre-configured to engage with the cloth and provide mechanical leverage during the subsequent upward movement, enabling detachment without relying on cloth weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The slot has a curved, arc-shaped path that the base follows during detachment. This curved trajectory provides mechanical advantage by converting linear upward motion into rotational leverage, amplifying the detachment force applied to the cloth at the slot's edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If the hinged parts are designed to rotate freely for easy detachment, then the cloth can be removed naturally, but elastic devices that maintain base structure prevent sufficient rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebase rotationVSAvoidbase structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables self-service detachment by incorporating the slot mechanism that automatically detaches the cloth during the base's normal upward movement. The slot's geometry and position are designed to engage with the cloth and provide detachment force without requiring additional manual operations or compromising base stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If the pocket opening size is reduced to match the base ends precisely, then the cloth is securely retained, but manual intervention is required for removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecloth retentionVSAvoidcloth removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detachment function is segmented from the retention function. The pocket opening maintains precise fit for secure retention during use, while the slot provides a separate mechanical intervention point that enables automatic removal. This segmentation allows both secure retention and easy removal without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device effectively detaches cleaning cloths from mop bases, even those made of thin materials, by utilizing the mechanical advantage of the slot and claw configuration to overcome adhesion and gravity limitations.

Implementation Method 1

by utilizing the mechanical advantage of the slot and claw configuration to overcome adhesion and gravity limitations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

which are particularly inexpensive and have a high electrostatic charge due to the synthetic materials they are made of

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

do not reach such a weight that they overcome the adhesion that keeps them joined to the relative base and therefore detach from the base under the force of gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12262858B2Device for releasing and detaching a floor cleaning cloth from the support base retaining it

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 TTS CLEANING SRL

AI summary

This is a device for releasing and detaching a cleaning cloth from the base that retains it; and in particular the release and detachment device of the invention allows you to release and detach from the base a cleaning cloth that has pockets within which are inserted the lateral ends of said base supporting the cloth.