Mop Plate Moisture Sensing for Cleaning Performance Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiping devices with exchangeable wiping covers struggle to accurately determine the remaining cleaning performance and dirt holding capacity, as the pH value of the cleaning solution is heavily dependent on the cleaning agent used, making it difficult to assess the dirt content and leading to inefficient cleaning.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a measuring device into the mop plate that detects residual moisture in the mop cover, which is directly related to the cleaning performance, using electrical parameters such as resistance, conductance, and permittivity, and triggering a signaling device when a threshold is reached, allowing for real-time monitoring of cleaning liquid levels without modifying existing mop covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pH value measurement is used to determine cleaning performance, then cleaning efficiency can be monitored, but the measurement is heavily dependent on cleaning agent composition making dirt content assessment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from pH value to residual moisture content (water activity). This parameter change resolves the contradiction because moisture content directly correlates with dirt holding capacity regardless of cleaning agent composition, making the measurement universally applicable while maintaining precision in assessing cleaning performance
2Ease of operation
If visual inspection of moisture film is used to assess cleaning performance, then no additional equipment is needed, but the assessment is inadequate due to lighting conditions and soil type variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual inspection method (optical system) with an electrical measurement system that detects residual moisture content through electrical parameters. This substitution eliminates the limitations of visual assessment related to lighting and soil type while providing precise, objective measurements of cleaning performance
3Productivity
If the mop cover is heavily loaded with cleaning liquid to achieve sufficient dissolving power for adhering dirt, then cleaning performance improves, but the mop cover becomes overloaded and requires more frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system that continuously monitors residual moisture content in the mop cover and provides real-time information about cleaning performance. This feedback enables operators to optimally load mop covers with cleaning liquid - enough to achieve sufficient dissolving power for adhering dirt but not so much that the cover becomes overloaded and requires frequent replacement, thus extending service life while maintaining high productivity
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
Provides accurate and efficient monitoring of the mop cover's cleaning performance, ensuring optimal dirt binding capacity and preventing overloading or underloading with cleaning liquid, thereby enhancing cleaning efficiency and safety in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
The measuring device (4) is designed in such a way that it determines the electrical resistance of the mop cover (3). The electrical resistance of the mop cover (3) is directly dependent on its loading with cleaning liquid.
Implementation Method 2
In another embodiment, the electrical conductance of the mop cover (3) can also be determined. The electrical conductance is the reciprocal of the electrical resistance.
Implementation Method 3
The measuring device (4) can determine the permittivity of the mop cover (3). The permittivity, the capacitance value, is a value for the permeability of a material to electric fields.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a mopping device (1) having a mop plate (2), on which a mop cover (3) can be fastened in a replaceable manner, wherein a measuring device (4) for detecting the residual moisture present in the mop cover (3) is integrated in the mop plate (2).