Removable Mop Pad Reservoir for Fresh-Solution Floor Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mop systems recycle contaminated or diluted cleaning solutions, leading to inadequate saturation of microfiber mop heads and potential contamination, especially in sensitive environments like hospitals where distinct cleaning and disinfecting steps are required.
Innovation Solution
A mopping system featuring a multi-use storage reservoir with a hook and loop connection system, allowing for the use of independently removable cleaning pads that prevent solution recycling by maintaining fresh treatment fluid on the surface and isolating used solution from the reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mop systems are used to apply cleaning solutions, then the mop can disperse treatment solution to surfaces, but the used solution is recycled back into the mop leading to contamination and inadequate saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The mop system is divided into separate functional components: a mop head for application, a separate reservoir for solution storage, and a collection system for used solution. This segmentation prevents the recycling of contaminated solution back into the clean solution reservoir, maintaining solution purity while organizing the system into distinct functional modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The contaminated solution is extracted and isolated from the clean solution supply. The system design separates the solution reservoir from the mop head, allowing used solution to be collected and discarded separately, preventing recontamination of fresh solution and eliminating the need for continuous bucket refilling during cleaning operations.
2Productivity
If microfiber mop heads are used for cleaning, then excellent cleaning performance is achieved, but the hydrophobic nature causes inadequate saturation and solution retention
Solution Approach 1:
A solution is introduced as an intermediary between the hydrophobic microfiber mop head and the cleaning solution. This intermediary substance or surface treatment modifies the interaction, allowing the hydrophobic microfiber to effectively retain and distribute the cleaning solution without being repelled, thus maintaining both cleaning effectiveness and solution saturation.
3Device complexity
If a single bucket system is used for both cleaning and disinfecting, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but contamination occurs when soiled mops are returned to the bucket
Solution Approach 1:
The single bucket system is segmented into functionally separate zones or containers within the same equipment structure. Clean solution and contaminated solution are kept in separate compartments, allowing the system to maintain simplicity in operation while preventing cross-contamination between cleaning and disinfecting stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The contaminated solution is extracted and separated from the clean solution supply. The system design allows used solution to be removed and isolated from the fresh solution reservoir, preventing recontamination and enabling the use of the same equipment for both cleaning and disinfecting without cross-contamination risks.
4Duration of action of moving object
If mop heads are repeatedly saturated from a bucket during cleaning operations, then continuous cleaning is possible, but fresh solution is contaminated by soiled mop heads
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning solution is pre-loaded into the mop head or attached reservoir before the cleaning operation begins. This preliminary saturation eliminates the need to repeatedly dip the mop head into the bucket during operation, preventing contact between the solution supply and contaminated mop surfaces while enabling continuous cleaning throughout the entire operation.
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 system ensures consistent application of fresh cleaning solution, reduces contamination, and allows for staged cleaning and disinfecting without re-exposing the disinfecting solution to soiled mop heads, enhancing cleaning efficiency and hygiene in sensitive environments.
Implementation Method 1
A first plurality of hooking elements defining one half of a hook and loop connection extends downwardly away from an underside surface of the mop head
Implementation Method 2
A cleaning pad is adapted for removable hook and loop connection to a second plurality of hooking elements. The cleaning pad includes an outer surface layer including a plurality of microfiber surface loops
Data Source
AI summary
A mopping system incorporating a multi-use absorptive storage reservoir of fluid retaining material for retention and pressure-induced expulsion of treatment solution to a surface being treated in combination with an independently removable cleaning pad of fibrous construction. The storage reservoir and cleaning pad are adapted to releaseably engage one another in juxtaposed relation such that the cleaning pad may be readily replaced during a treatment operation.