Mop bucket

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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 and signs.

Innovation Solution

A mop bucket with two compartments, a sump region, wringer assembly, handle, spout, and hanger for efficient use and storage of cleaning agents, tool handling, and sign management, including a hook for tool storage and a spout for controlled emptying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional mop buckets are used with one or more compartments for cleaning agent and dirty liquid, then the basic cleaning function is provided, but the efficiency of using cleaning agent is poor and cleaning agent cannot be fully utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning agent utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The mop bucket is divided into multiple compartments: a first compartment for clean cleaning agent, a second compartment for dirty liquid, and a sump region in the bottom of the first compartment. This segmentation allows the mop head to be sequentially submerged in the sump region to extract remaining cleaning agent, then moved to the second compartment for wringing, enabling complete utilization of cleaning agent in both compartments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sump region is pre-configured at the bottom of the first compartment to collect and concentrate cleaning agent. Before moving the mop to the second compartment, the user can preliminarily extract cleaning agent from the sump region, ensuring that even the last drops are utilized before the cleaning agent is considered depleted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If conventional mop buckets are used, then basic storage is provided, but the bucket is messy and burdensome to clean

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning convenienceVSAvoidmess and cleaning burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bucket is segmented into separate compartments for clean and dirty liquids, preventing mixing and reducing mess. The removable mop head and wringer assembly can be easily detached and cleaned separately, making the cleaning process less burdensome.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wringer assembly and mop head can be extracted and removed from the bucket for separate cleaning. The wringer assembly includes a removable cover and internal components that can be taken out for thorough cleaning, preventing buildup and mess in the main bucket body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional mop buckets are used, then basic storage is provided, but features for storage and handling of cleaning tools and signs are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool storage and sign managementVSAvoidstructural features

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bucket is designed with multiple functions: it serves as a storage container for cleaning agent, a wringer for the mop head, and includes a hanger for storing cleaning signs. The handle can be positioned in different locations (front, rear, or both sides) to provide versatility in handling and storage configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The hanger is integrated into the bucket structure, combining sign storage functionality with the main bucket body. The wringer assembly is merged with the bucket, eliminating the need for separate wringing devices. The handle is integrated into the bucket rim, providing both structural support and handling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If conventional mop buckets are used, then basic emptying is provided, but controlled emptying and handling are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemptying controlVSAvoidhandle and spout features

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bucket can be configured with handles at different locations (front, rear, or both sides) to provide segmented handling options. The spout is positioned at the rear of the bucket, allowing controlled emptying in a specific direction. This segmentation of handling points enables better control during emptying and transport operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spout is pre-positioned at the rear of the bucket to facilitate controlled emptying. Before emptying, the user can position the bucket with the spout oriented in the desired direction, ensuring controlled discharge of dirty liquid without spilling. The handle positioning allows preliminary grip and control before the emptying action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11805959B2Mop bucket

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 ECOLAB USA INC

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.