Mop Base Coupling Device for Contamination-Free Cloth Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mop bases require manual intervention and multiple complex operations to replace the cleaning cloth, leading to operator contamination and inefficiency, with precarious retention mechanisms that are difficult to use.

Innovation Solution

A mop base with coupling devices featuring a double lever system and enlarged end tabs, allowing for automatic release and attachment of the cloth without manual handling, using elastic devices to open and close the retention cavity, enabling single-handed operation and secure retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual intervention is used to replace the cleaning cloth, then the cloth can be replaced, but operator contamination and inefficiency occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecloth replacement efficiencyVSAvoidoperator contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device enables automatic cloth attachment and release without manual handling. The elastic device automatically engages the cloth's enlarged end with the retention cavity, and the lever mechanism automatically releases it, allowing the system to serve itself without operator intervention and preventing contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the cloth. Instead of directly handling the cloth, the operator interacts with the lever, which mediates the attachment and release processes through mechanical action, eliminating direct contact with the cleaning cloth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple complex operations are used to attach and release the cloth, then secure retention is achieved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecloth retention securityVSAvoidnumber of operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is segmented into functional components: the lever for operation, the elastic device for retention force, and the retention cavity for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving secure retention through a simplified single-action operation rather than multiple complex steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device transitions between dynamic states: the lever moves between engaged and disengaged positions, the elastic device dynamically adjusts retention force, and the inlet mouth opens and closes automatically. This dynamic behavior enables secure retention during attachment while allowing easy release through a single operational movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a simple retention mechanism is used, then ease of operation improves, but retention security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecloth attachment simplicityVSAvoidcloth retention security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cloth's enlarged end features a curved or rounded geometry that complements the retention cavity's shape. This geometric design allows the enlarged end to be inserted into the cavity through a simple pushing motion while ensuring secure retention through the interlocking curved surfaces, combining ease of operation with retention security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Ease of operation

If the inlet mouth is always open for easy cloth insertion, then ease of operation improves, but premature release risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecloth insertion easeVSAvoidpremature release prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic device is pre-loaded to maintain the inlet mouth in a closed position before cloth insertion. When the cloth's enlarged end is introduced, it automatically triggers the lever to open the inlet mouth, allowing insertion. After insertion, the lever returns to close the inlet mouth, preventing premature release. This preliminary positioning of the elastic device enables both easy insertion and secure retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates quick, easy, and contamination-free cloth replacement with minimal operations, allowing the cloth to be removed and attached automatically, reducing the need for manual handling and improving ergonomics.

Implementation Method 1

held against the relative half-frame by elastic devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

double lever, with a fulcrum axis parallel to the transverse edge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Implementation Method 3

a pair of half-frames, hinged to the base, which are held in a constrained flat configuration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge rotation: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP3790441B1Base for mops with cleaning cloth
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 TTS CLEANING SRL
  • EP3790441B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3790441B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3790441B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It' s relates to a mop base that is particularly practical in its use, above all when releasing the cloth retained along its transverse edges.