Mop Handle Drive for Single-Handed Spin Drying Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mopping devices require two-handed operation for effective drying of mop covers, making them cumbersome and difficult to use, especially when trying to achieve varying levels of drying efficiency for different floor types.

Innovation Solution

A mopping device with a drive mechanism that allows for up and down movement of the handle to transmit driving forces to a centrifugal drying system, enabling single-handed operation and adjustable drying efficiency by controlling the number of drive strokes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a bucket-based device for drying a mop head is used, then drying efficiency can be improved, but operation becomes cumbersome requiring two hands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mopping device itself serves as the driving mechanism for the drying device. The user operates the drying function using the same hand movements (up and down motion of the handle) already used for mopping, eliminating the need for separate manual operation of the drying mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The handle of the mopping device serves dual functions: it is both the operating tool for mopping and the actuating mechanism for the centrifugal drying system. This multi-functionality allows the user to control both mopping and drying with a single hand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If manual operation of drying device is simplified to single-handed use, then ease of operation improves, but drive force transmission becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoiddrive mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A drive sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the handle and the centrifugal drying mechanism. This intermediary translates the simple up and down linear motion of the handle into rotational motion of the drying device, bridging the gap between simple operation and effective drive force transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The drying mechanism is activated through periodic up and down movements of the handle. Each compression stroke of the handle delivers a pulse of driving force to the centrifugal dryer, allowing the system to build up rotational speed through repeated cyclic actions rather than requiring continuous force application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Facilitates simple, quick, and efficient drying operations, allowing users to easily manage moisture levels on different surfaces without touching additional components, enhancing user convenience and operational ease.

Implementation Method 1

a drive device which is able to drive the mopping head for a centrifugal process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

a device for ejecting liquid from a wiping body which is held on a wiping head of a surface cleaning device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentEP1890585B1Wiping implement and drying apparatus with a drive device for spin-drying a wiping head and resulting cleaning system
Publication Date: 2012.02.15 LEIFHEIT
  • EP1890585B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1890585B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1890585B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to drive device (39) for a unit for drying wiping cloths and/or a wiping cover and/or wiping mops and/or a wiping plates and/or wiping units and/or wiping heads and/or wiping elements comprising a humming-top drive (41) and/or a drive based on a humming-top principle and/or a drill bar drive and/or a spindel drive (55).