Mop Bucket with Sump Compartment for Cleaning Agent Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mop buckets are inefficient in using all or most of the cleaning agent, messy, and burdensome to clean, lacking features for effective storage and handling of cleaning tools.
Innovation Solution
A mop bucket with two compartments, a sump region, wringer assembly, handle, spout, and hanger for efficient use, storage, and disposal of cleaning agents, along with a tool hook for tool storage, enhancing the utilization and cleanliness of the bucket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional mop bucket is used with one or more compartments for cleaning agent and dirty liquid, then the basic cleaning function is provided, but the cleaning agent cannot be fully utilized and the bucket is messy and burdensome to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket is divided into multiple compartments: a first compartment for clean water/cleaning agent, a second compartment for dirty water, and a third compartment (sump) for capturing and draining excess cleaning agent. This segmentation allows efficient separation of clean and dirty liquids while enabling complete utilization of the cleaning agent through the draining mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes excess cleaning agent from the first compartment through a drain at the bottom that leads to the third compartment. This extraction mechanism ensures that nearly all cleaning agent is utilized before disposal, addressing the waste problem of conventional buckets.
2Ease of operation
If a mop bucket with compartments is used to separate clean and dirty liquid, then the cleaning process is organized, but the bucket becomes messy and burdensome to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The drain mechanism extracts dirty water from the second compartment and directs it to the third compartment (sump). This extraction of dirty liquid into a dedicated sump area simplifies the cleaning process by concentrating waste in one accessible location that can be easily emptied.
Solution Approach 2:
The third compartment (sump) is specifically designed as a localized area for collecting and storing dirty water and excess cleaning agent. This local concentration of waste in a designated area with a drain makes maintenance easier by providing a specific, accessible point for emptying and cleaning.
3Device complexity
If a mop bucket lacks storage features for cleaning tools, then the structure remains simple, but the handling and storage of cleaning tools becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket is designed with multiple functions beyond just holding water: it includes a wringer assembly for squeezing mop heads, a hanger for storing the mop when not in use, and a third compartment for waste collection. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive tool storage and handling capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wringer assembly, hanger, and compartmentalized water storage are merged into a single integrated bucket structure. This combination of multiple functions in one unit provides convenient tool storage and handling without requiring separate devices, balancing structural simplicity with operational convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A mop bucket includes a mop body with first and second compartments. The first compartment includes a sump region that is sized for receiving a portion of a floor care tool to best utilize the floor care tool and the contents of the mop bucket. A wringer assembly is attached to the mop bucket for cleaning the floor care tool and separating used cleaning supplies from unused. The mop bucket can include an insert for receiving the used cleaning supply to more easily dispose of the same. Tool hooks and floor sign attachments can also be included with the mop bucket such that the bucket provides all tools for use thereof.