Mop Head Abrasive Strip Layout for Better Floor Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mop heads struggle to effectively contact and clean stubborn dirt on floors due to the abrasive body's placement, which is either obstructed by cleaning strips or has a limited contact area when positioned between them or below.

Innovation Solution

The abrasive body is adhesively connected to at least one cleaning strip, allowing it to hang down and come into contact with the floor easily, with a large surface area, and is preferably attached to the strip closest to the mop head for optimal contact, using materials like polyacrylate fibers or polyurethane foam, and a low-melting plastic adhesive for bonding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the abrasive body is placed below the cleaning strips, then it is protected from damage, but it is difficult to bring into contact with the floor to be cleaned since it is covered by cleaning strips

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of contact with floorVSAvoidobstruction by cleaning strips
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The abrasive body is attached to the cleaning strip in a radial direction extending outward from the mop head, rather than being placed below or between components. This dimensional repositioning allows the abrasive body to extend beyond the cleaning strip perimeter, enabling direct contact with the floor surface without being obstructed by the cleaning strips themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the abrasive body is arranged between the mop head and the cleaning strip, then it is accessible, but it protrudes radially and has only a small contact area with the floor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact area with floorVSAvoidradial protrusion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The abrasive body is positioned at the outer radial periphery of the cleaning strip, extending beyond the cleaning strip's outer circumference. This arrangement maximizes the contact area with the floor by utilizing the full radial extension of the cleaning strip, rather than being constrained to a small protruding area near the mop head.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The abrasive body is pre-attached to the cleaning strip during manufacturing, positioned at the optimal location (outer radial periphery) before use. This preliminary positioning ensures that during operation, the abrasive body is already in the ideal position for maximum floor contact area, eliminating the need for adjustment by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the abrasive body is made large to increase contact area, then cleaning effect improves, but it becomes difficult to attach firmly to the cleaning strip

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact surface areaVSAvoidattachment firmness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The abrasive body is pre-attached to the cleaning strip during the manufacturing process using adhesive bonding. This preliminary attachment allows for careful positioning and bonding under controlled conditions, ensuring firm attachment even when the abrasive body has a large surface area. The adhesive bonding process can be optimized during manufacturing to secure large abrasive bodies effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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

This configuration enhances the cleaning effect on stubborn dirt by providing a larger contact area and ergonomic cleaning, especially when the handle is slightly inclined, while maintaining a firm connection between the abrasive body and cleaning strip.

Implementation Method 1

The abrasive body is adhesively connected to at least one cleaning strip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2288283B1Head for a mop
Publication Date: 2014.12.31 CARL FREUDENBERG KG
  • EP2288283B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2288283B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2288283B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Head (1) for a mop (2), comprising a carrying body (4) which can be connected to a handle (3) and on which are fastened cleaning strips (5) made of textile material, and also comprising an abrasive body (6), wherein the abrasive body (6) is connected with adhering action to at least one cleaning strip (5).