Integrated Mop Handle Linkage for Low-Force Wringing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated mops with wringer systems face limitations in ergonomic design and mechanical advantage, making it difficult for users to efficiently wring out cleaning solution from mop fibers without applying excessive force or risking damage to the device.

Innovation Solution

A mop design featuring a shaft with a mop head, a sleeve, and a handle that is movably mounted to an actuator member, allowing for leverage to be applied through a pivot and stop mechanism, which reduces the force needed to wring mop fibers while preventing excessive translation and enhancing ergonomics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an integrated wringer system is added to the mop, then the mop becomes self-contained and less storage space is required, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrated wringer systemVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wringer system is merged with the mop handle by integrating the actuator member, compression members, and mop fiber base into a unified structure where the actuator member extends through the hollow shaft and connects to the compression members, eliminating the need for separate wringer devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator member is nested within the hollow shaft, extending through it to connect the handle to the compression members. The mop fiber base is nested between the compression members, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining integrated functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Force

If the handle is made movable on the sleeve, then mechanical advantage is improved for wringing, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical advantageVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is made movable relative to the sleeve, allowing dynamic adjustment during the wringing operation. This mobility enables the user to apply force more effectively by moving the handle along the actuator member, improving mechanical advantage while the simplicity of the sliding mechanism keeps added complexity minimal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the actuator member extends through the hollow shaft, then the mop fibers can be pulled through compression members, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewringing operationVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the hollow shaft, the actuator member, the compression members, and the mop fiber base. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with standard tolerances and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining operational effectiveness

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

The design provides improved mechanical advantage for wringing mop fibers with reduced force requirement, preventing damage to the mop and enhancing user safety and efficiency, while maintaining a compact and aesthetically appealing form.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS8046863B2Integrated mop system

Publication Date: 2011.11.01 LIBMAN CO

AI summary

In an embodiment, a mop includes a mop head and a shaft attached to the mop head. A handle is attached to the shaft by a pivot. An actuator member is coupled to the handle between a grip end and the pivot. Translation of the handle causes the actuator member to translate. In an embodiment, the pivot is offset from the shaft and arranged so that the shaft is located between the position where the handle is attached to the actuator member and the position where the handle is attached to the pivot. A stop may be provided to limit the translation of the handle. The actuator member is coupled a mop fiber base that supports mop fibers. The surface of the mop fibers may have a plurality of raised portions.