Mop Handle Integral Refill Reservoir to Reduce Bucket Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning implements with gravity feed liquid dispensers often require frequent refilling and handling of buckets, disrupting the cleaning process and causing inconvenience due to the need for continuous liquid supply.
Innovation Solution
A mop or cleaning implement with an integral refill/add-on reservoir receiver system, allowing a removable refill container to supplement the fluid reservoir handle, ensuring continuous dispensing without the need for frequent bucket handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a gravity feed liquid dispenser is mounted externally to a cleaning implement, then the operator can apply liquids without frequent re-saturation, but the device requires frequent bucket handling and refilling which disrupts the cleaning process
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply system is segmented into a permanent handle-mounted reservoir and removable refill containers. This allows the main reservoir to be permanently integrated into the handle while refill containers can be easily attached to supplement liquid supply, eliminating the need for frequent bucket handling during cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The refill container is designed to nest within or attach to the handle-mounted reservoir structure. The refill container includes a dispensing valve that interfaces with the reservoir system, allowing it to become an integrated part of the liquid supply system when attached, thus extending capacity without requiring separate bucket handling.
2Ease of manufacture
If a bulky airtight liquid holding container is connected externally to a mop handle, then liquid can be dispensed by gravity, but the container is large and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid holding capacity is segmented between a compact permanent reservoir integrated into the handle and smaller removable refill containers. This segmentation allows the permanent reservoir to remain compact while the refill containers provide additional capacity that can be attached only when needed, reducing the volume of the moving handle assembly during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid supply system transitions from a static bulky container to a dynamic configuration where the permanent reservoir maintains a compact size and refill containers are attached or detached as needed. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt its total capacity based on operational requirements while keeping the handle-mounted portion compact.
3Ease of operation
If the handle reservoir is made compact for ease of handling, then the device is more maneuverable, but the liquid supply depletes faster requiring more frequent refilling
Solution Approach 1:
Refill containers are prepared in advance and can be quickly attached to the handle-mounted reservoir when liquid supply is needed. The refill container includes a dispensing valve that automatically interfaces with the reservoir system, allowing rapid refilling without disrupting the cleaning workflow or requiring the handle reservoir to be larger.
Solution Approach 2:
The refill system is designed to be self-service where the refill container automatically interfaces with the handle reservoir through complementary valve mechanisms. When the refill container is attached, its dispensing valve aligns with the reservoir opening, allowing liquid to transfer automatically without manual intervention, thus extending supply duration while maintaining compact handle size.
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 uninterrupted cleaning by allowing easy refilling and supplementation of the liquid supply, reducing the need for constant bucket handling and maintaining a consistent flow of cleaning solution.
Implementation Method 1
A refill/add-on reservoir fluid container can be removably inserted into the refill receiver to supplement and/or replenish the volume of liquid contained in the fluid reservoir handle
Data Source
AI summary
A mop or like cleaning implement with a fluid reservoir and dispensing handle and with an integral refill/add-on reservoir receiver which embraces the handle. A refill/add on reservoir fluid container is inserted into the receiver to supplement and/or replenish the volume of liquid contained in the fluid reservoir handle. The refill fluid container can be removed and replaced when empty. The reservoir and dispensing handle can be filled and refilled independently of the refill fluid container, or can be refilled using the refill container. Either way, a refill container can be inserted into the refill receiver to supplement the volume of fluid in the reservoir handle.