Mop Pad Insert Members to Prevent Lifting During Wringing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floor cleaning systems face challenges in maintaining the mop pad attached to the mop head during wringing operations, leading to issues such as lifting, peeling, or curling, which can cause jamming and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A mop pad design featuring a cleaning layer and a backing layer with insert members positioned at the ends, secured by a hook and loop fastener, to stabilize the mop pad during wringing, reducing the risk of lifting or curling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional wringers apply force to extract fluid from the mop pad, then fluid extraction is achieved, but the mop pad lifts, peels, or curls from the mop head

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid extraction efficiencyVSAvoidmop pad attachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adding insert members specifically at the ends of the mop pad where lifting and curling forces are most intense during wringing. These insert members provide localized reinforcement without altering the entire mop pad structure, allowing fluid extraction while preventing detachment at the vulnerable end regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining the absorbent mop pad material with rigid insert members made of different material properties. This composite structure allows the mop pad to maintain its fluid absorption and extraction capabilities while the insert members provide structural support to resist lifting and peeling forces during the wringing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If the mop pad is made flexible for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the mop pad curls and peels during wringing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning flexibilityVSAvoidmop pad structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mop pad into distinct functional zones: the main body remains flexible for effective cleaning operations, while discrete insert members are positioned at the ends to provide structural stability. This segmentation allows the mop pad to exhibit both flexibility where needed and rigidity where structural support is critical during wringing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the mop pad remains attached during wringing, then operational efficiency is maintained, but additional structural elements are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewringing operation efficiencyVSAvoidmop pad structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting only the essential functional elements needed to prevent lifting and curling - specifically, insert members positioned at the ends of the mop pad. Rather than redesigning the entire mop pad structure, the solution extracts and adds only the minimum necessary components to maintain attachment stability during wringing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 insert members effectively resist lifting and curling forces, ensuring the mop pad remains securely attached to the mop head, enhancing operational efficiency and preventing jamming in the wringing assembly.

Implementation Method 1

the backing layer having a fastener configured to couple the backing layer to a mop head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHook and loop fastener mechanism: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

At least one insert member coupled between at least one of the backing layer and the cleaning layer, the at least one insert being arranged adjacent an end of the mop pad

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical reinforcement: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4013280B1Floor cleaning system, flat headed mop and mop pad
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 UNGER MARKETING INTERNATIONAL LLC
  • EP4013280B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4013280B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4013280B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A Mop Pad, A Flat Headed Mop, And A Surface Cleaning System Is Provided. The Mop Pad Comprising A Cleaning Layer Configured To Remove Contaminants From A Surface Being Cleaned. A Backing Layer Is Coupled To The Cleaning Layer, The Backing Layer Having A Fastener Configured To Couple The Backing Layer To A Mop Head. At Least One Insert Member Coupled Between At Least One Of The Backing Layer And The Cleaning Layer, The At Least One Insert Being Arranged Adjacent An End Of The Mop Pad.