Integrated Mop Bucket Wringer for Stable, Low-Part Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mop bucket and wringer combinations are prone to instability and require complex manufacturing and assembly due to separate wringer components, which can be knocked loose during use and are costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
A mop bucket design that integrates a wringing portion with a first and second wringing member, a handle, and a linkage system, where the second wringing member rotates on an integrally formed shaft within the bucket's sidewall, and the first wringing member is ultrasonically welded to the bucket, providing stability and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a separate wringer is coupled to the rim of the mop bucket, then the wringer can be independently assembled, but the wringer becomes unstable and prone to being knocked loose during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the wringer assembly directly into the mop bucket body, making the wringer and bucket a single unified structure. The wringer shaft is received within a sidewall of the wringing portion that is integrally formed with the fluid reservoir portion, eliminating the need for separate coupling and preventing the wringer from being knocked loose during use.
2Ease of manufacture
If a separate wringer with multiple components is used, then the wringer can be independently manufactured, but the manufacturing and assembly efforts become significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wringer components into an integrated assembly where the wringing portion is formed as a single integral structure with the bucket. The linkage system connects the wringer handle to the second wringing member through a series of connected links, reducing the need for separate mounting brackets and coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrally formed sidewall of the wringing portion serves multiple functions: it contains the shaft reception cavity, provides structural support for the wringer mechanism, and integrates with the fluid reservoir portion. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of separate components needed.
3Reliability
If an integral wringing portion is formed with the fluid reservoir portion, then the wringer stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mop bucket into distinct functional portions: the fluid reservoir portion and the wringing portion. The wringing portion is integrally formed with the fluid reservoir portion, creating a unified stable structure while maintaining manufacturability through modular design segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, bolts, brackets) with ultrasonic welding to attach the first wringing member to the fluid reservoir portion. This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the stability benefits of the integral design.
4Device complexity
If the second wringing member rotates on an integrally formed shaft, then the assembly complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the shaft directly into the wringing portion sidewall as an integrally formed component. This merging of the shaft with the bucket structure eliminates the need for separate shaft assembly and reduces the number of parts, while the integral formation ensures proper alignment through the molding process.
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 integrated design enhances stability and reduces manufacturing complexity, preventing the wringer from being knocked loose and allowing for efficient fluid extraction from mops while maintaining balance to prevent tipping.
Implementation Method 1
The first wringing member can be ultrasonically welded to the at least one sidewall of the wringing portion
Data Source
AI summary
A mop bucket includes a fluid reservoir portion and a wringing portion. The fluid reservoir portion can hold fluid. The wringing portion includes a first wringing member and a second wringing member, which is moveable toward the first wringing member to wring fluid from a mop. The wringing portion further includes a linkage configured to move the second wringing member in response to actuation of a wringer handle. The linkage includes a first link extending from and pivotable relative to the second wringing member and a second link connected to the first link and having an axis that is fixed at an angle relative to an axis of the wringer handle. The second wringing member can include an integrally formed shaft about which the second wringing member rotates. A first retaining surface of the first wringing member can engage the shaft to hold the shaft at a pivot axis.