Mop Head Adjustable Tensioner for Swivel Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mop systems lack control over the orientation of the mop head when lifted from the cleaning surface, leading to uncontrolled swiveling and increased user effort, especially in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning tool with a resilient mop head connected to an elongated handle via an adjustable force applicator, which allows for variable compression control of the mop head movement through a pyramid-shaped frame attachment assembly and a helical spring mechanism, enabling precise control over the swivel action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mop head is allowed to swivel relative to the handle, then the mop can adapt to different cleaning surfaces, but the mop head loses stable orientation control when lifted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tensioning system where the rope can be adjusted to different tension levels, allowing the mop head to swivel when needed while maintaining stable orientation when required. The tensioning mechanism transforms a static connection into a dynamically adjustable one, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of rope tension to control the degree of mop head swivel. By adjusting the tension parameter, the user can control whether the mop head remains stable or is allowed to swivel freely, thus resolving the contradiction through parameter adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If the mop head connection allows free movement, then the mop is easier to maneuver, but additional user effort is required to reorient the mop head
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioned rope creates a preliminary restraining force that prevents excessive mop head movement. This preliminary anti-action reduces the effort needed by the user to control and reorient the mop head, while still allowing necessary maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rope tensioning system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning and pre-tensing the connection between handle and mop head. This preliminary action reduces the subsequent effort required by the user during actual cleaning operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed tension system is used, then the mop head orientation is stable, but the system lacks adaptability to different cleaning scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a static fixed-tension system into a dynamic adjustable-tension system. The user can adjust the rope tension according to different cleaning scenarios, providing both stability when needed and adaptability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning system with adjustable rope length serves multiple functions: it can provide high tension for stable orientation, low tension for easy swiveling, and any intermediate level. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
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 adjustable force applicator provides users with enhanced control over the mop head's movement, reducing user frustration and effort by allowing customizable stiffness, maintaining a stable orientation and reducing the need for frequent reorientation, especially in confined areas.
Implementation Method 1
A helical spring is seated between the downwardly facing circumferential shoulder of the external threaded sleeve and an opposing support surface within the circumferential groove at the interior of the pivot sleeve such that rotation of the external threaded sleeve causes adjustment to compression forces applied to the spring and the frame attachment assembly.
Implementation Method 2
An adjustable force applicator is disposed in substantially coaxial relation to the elongated handle structure between the handle structure and the attachment assembly. Adjustment of the force applicator by a user permits the application of variable compressive force against the attachment assembly thereby controlling the degree of permitted mop head movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning tool incorporating a resilient mop head having an attachment assembly extending away from the mop head for operative connection to an elongated handle structure. An adjustable force applicator is disposed in substantially coaxial relation to the elongated handle structure between the handle structure and the attachment assembly. Adjustment of the force applicator by a user permits the application of variable compressive force against the attachment assembly thereby controlling the degree of permitted mop head movement.