Sweeping Mop Cloth Release Assembly for Hands-Free Disposal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand operated sweeping mops require users to manually handle dirty cleaning cloths when replacing them, exposing them to filth and dirt.

Innovation Solution

A hand operated sweeping mop with a disposable cloth retaining assembly featuring mirror image cloth releasing plates and ratchet teeth, which are retained by a housing and biased by compression springs, allowing the dirty cloth to be released into a trash receptacle without direct user contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If manual grasping of the cleaning cloth is used for removal, then the structure remains simple, but the user is exposed to filth and dirt on the disposable cleaning cloth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser exposure to filth and dirtVSAvoidretaining assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A release mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the dirty cleaning cloth. The mechanism includes a release member that engages with a retaining member to hold the cloth, and a trigger mechanism that disengages the retention without requiring direct contact with the cloth itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining assembly is designed to automatically release the cleaning cloth when the trigger mechanism is activated. The spring-loaded system self-activates upon trigger engagement, propelling the release member to disengage from the retaining member and eject the cloth without further user intervention or contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a simple attachment mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the user must directly handle the dirty cloth for removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecloth removal operationVSAvoidretaining assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The release member serves as a mediator that the user interacts with instead of the dirty cloth. When the user activates the trigger mechanism, the release member moves to disengage the retaining member, allowing cloth removal without the user's hand touching the contaminated surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of the user directly grasping and removing the cloth, the system inverts the operation by using a trigger mechanism that actively propels the release member to eject the cloth away from the user's hand, reversing the traditional manual removal approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the cloth is tightly retained for effective cleaning, then cleaning performance is improved, but the cloth becomes difficult to remove without direct handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecloth retention during cleaningVSAvoidcloth removal operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining assembly uses a dynamic trigger mechanism that transitions from a locked retention state during cleaning to an active release state. The spring-loaded system maintains strong retention force during normal operation, then rapidly transitions to release mode when the trigger is activated, enabling both secure holding and easy removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retention system is segmented into distinct functional components: a retaining member that holds the cloth, a release member that controls retention, and a trigger mechanism that activates release. This segmentation allows independent optimization of retention strength and release ease without compromise.

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

Enables the dirty cleaning cloth to be automatically released and disposed of without the user touching it, improving hygiene and convenience during cloth replacement.

Implementation Method 1

the downward spring force of each of the respective force compression springs causes a respective cloth releasing plate to move away from the main body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

ratchet teeth engaged in a notch of a respective notched collar in each cloth releasing plate to overcome a force of a downward force compression spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatchet mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentUS8677547B1Apparatus to remove a disposable cloth from a hand operated sweeping mop applicator without having to touch the disposable cloth

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 WORLDWIDE INTEGRATED RESOURCES INC

AI summary

A mop with a disposable cloth retaining assembly where the cloth is retained by cloth retaining members attached to the bottom of attaching plates on a main body, with a right and left cloth releasing plate between the main body and the cleaning cloth, the cloth releasing plates retained in a closed position against the main body by ratchet teeth engaged in notches of a respective notched collar to overcome a force of downward force compression springs. When a retaining force is removed, the downward spring force of force compression springs causes the cloth releasing plate to move away from the main body, the downward movement of the cloth releasing plate being limited. The cleaning cloth is separated from the cloth retaining members so that the dirty cleaning cloth falls away.