Mop-Head Plate Recess Locking for Easy Mop Cover Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mops with clamp connections for attaching the mop cover to the mop plate are difficult to open, pose a risk of injury, and have a variable holding power due to material thickness, and often require movable parts that can break.
Innovation Solution
A positive locking connection between the mop cover and mop plate using recesses and corresponding holding devices, eliminating the need for moving parts and reducing attachment force, allowing for easy exchange and reliable affixing without the risk of injury, with designs featuring slots, undercuts, and textile strips for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamp connections are used to attach the mop cover to the mop plate, then the mop cover can be securely held, but the connection becomes difficult to open and poses a risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a clamp body fixed on the mop plate and a clamp element on the mop cover that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the user to release the connection by moving only the clamp element, making it easier to open while maintaining secure holding when engaged
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp element acts as an intermediary between the user and the clamp connection. By designing the clamp element to be movable and removable, it mediates the connection process, allowing easy opening while the engaged state provides reliable holding power
2Adaptability or versatility
If clamp connections with movable parts are used, then the mop cover can be attached and detached, but the movable parts increase the danger of breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The movable and potentially breakable clamp element is extracted as a separate, replaceable component. This allows the main clamp body to remain simple and robust, while the extracted clamp element can be easily replaced if damaged, reducing the overall breakage risk of the system
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced rather than repaired. This approach reduces the impact of breakage, as replacing a cheap clamp element is far easier and more economical than repairing complex movable parts
3Ease of manufacture
If hinged straps are used for clamping, then the mop cover can be attached, but the holding power varies due to material thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The design transitions from relying on material thickness (a variable parameter) to using geometric interlocking features like L-shaped profiles and corresponding recesses. This parameter change ensures consistent holding power regardless of material thickness variations, as the engagement is determined by the geometry of the clamp and recess rather than the bulk material properties
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mop (1) comprising a mop-head plate (2) and an interchangeable mop cover (3) with a mopping surface (4) that is attached to the mop-head plate (2). According to the invention, the mop cover (3) is equipped on two opposing sides with a respective fixing device (5), which engages in a respective retainer (6) of the mop-head plate (2). At least one retainer (6) is formed by a recess (7) and the corresponding fixing device (5) is held by a positive fit in the recess (7) so that it can be detached without sustaining any damage.