Universal Mop Head Coupling for Threaded and Plug-In Handles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mop heads are limited in their ability to accommodate different types of handles, leading to instability and difficulty in secure attachment, especially with varying thread diameters and types.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional mop head design featuring a connecting element with a screwable thread, guide webs, and locking lugs that allows for quick and stable attachment of various handles, while also incorporating ribs and retaining pins for enhanced stability and material efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single type of connecting element is used for handle attachment, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different handle types is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different handle typesVSAvoidstructure of connecting element

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is designed with multiple functions: it includes both a thread for screw connections and plug-in features with guide webs and locking lugs for quick connections. This allows the same connecting element to accommodate different handle types and connection methods, achieving universality without requiring multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element is divided into functional sections: a threaded section for screw connections, a middle section with guide webs for plug-in guidance, and locking lugs for securing. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall compatibility with various handle types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a plug-in connection is used for handle attachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the connection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of handle attachmentVSAvoidsecurity of handle connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide webs are positioned to engage with the handle first during insertion, providing preliminary guidance and alignment before the locking lugs engage. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and prevents misalignment, enhancing both the ease of operation and the reliability of the final connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking lugs are designed to engage with corresponding features on the handle in a way that distributes the locking force. This beforehand cushioning prevents stress concentration and ensures a secure, reliable connection that resists unintentional loosening while maintaining easy attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Loss of substance

If guide webs are arranged in the section facing away from the base, then the material usage is reduced, but the guidance function is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial consumption of guide websVSAvoidguidance of handle insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide webs are strategically positioned in the section of the connecting element that faces away from the base, where they are most needed for guidance during handle insertion. The guide webs are not formed continuously but only in the necessary sections, providing local quality - guidance where required and material savings where not needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Strength

If the connecting element is made with a continuous tubular shape, then the structural strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength of connecting elementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of connecting element

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is manufactured as a single integrated piece with all features (thread, guide webs, locking lugs) formed in one molding process. This segmentation-free approach eliminates the need for assembling multiple parts, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining structural strength through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element is designed as a multifunctional integrated component that combines threading, guidance, and locking features in a single structure. This universality allows the same basic tubular form to serve multiple functions without requiring additional strengthening elements, maintaining strength while simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP1986538B1Mop head which can be fastened to a cleaning mop with different types of handle

Publication Date: 2013.03.20 CARL FREUDENBERG KG

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AI summary

Mop head (1) for a cleaning mop (2), comprising a base (3) which has a substantially lemon-shaped basic form, wherein a connection element (4) for detachably fastening a handle (5) is arranged on the outer circumference of the base (3), wherein the connection element (4) is substantially tubular and, on its outer circumference, has at least two guide webs (6) which run in the axial direction and at least two latching lugs (7), which run circumferentially, for plug-type fastening of the handle (5), wherein at least one thread (8) for screw-type fastening of the handle (5) is arranged in the connection element (4).