Mop system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art spray mops are uncomfortable to use due to specific hand grip requirements, prone to slipping, and have inaccurate fluid distribution and lack the ability to easily remove the mop head from the shaft.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigured mop system with an ergonomic handle and actuator for comfortable operation, a rigid hose guide for accurate fluid dispensing, grip covers to prevent slipping, and detents or release clips for easy removal of the mop head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a specific hand grip position is required for operating the actuator, then the dispensing mechanism can be activated, but the user experiences discomfort and difficulty in operation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to be operable from multiple hand grip positions, making it universal for different user preferences and situations. The trigger mechanism can be activated whether the user grips the handle at the front, middle, or rear position, eliminating the limitation of requiring a specific hand placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the actuator and dispensing mechanism allows for dynamic operation from various positions. The mechanical linkage is designed to translate actuator movement into valve activation regardless of the hand grip position, providing adaptability while maintaining functional reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the bottle containing cleaning solution is held without protection, then it can be easily handled, but it becomes slippery and causes user to fumble or drop the bottle
Solution Approach 1:
A grip cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the user's hand and the bottle surface. This cover provides the necessary friction and grip while allowing the bottle to be easily handled and installed. The grip cover acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact with the slippery bottle surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip cover is made from a material with different surface properties than the bottle, combining the smooth bottle surface for easy cleaning with a textured or higher-friction outer surface for secure handling. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between easy handling and grip stability.
3Device complexity
If a flexible hose is used for fluid exit, then the dispensing mechanism is simple, but the spray action is inaccurate and lacks rigid directionality
Solution Approach 1:
A rigid hose guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible hose and the nozzle. This guide provides the necessary directionality and rigidity to control spray direction accurately, while the flexible hose maintains its simplicity and flexibility for fluid delivery. The hose guide acts as a mediator that translates flexible hose output into directed spray.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a spatial dimension by introducing a rigid guide structure that constrains the flexible hose in specific orientations. This dimensional constraint provides accurate spray directionality while maintaining the simplicity of the flexible hose system for fluid delivery.
4Reliability
If the mop head is permanently attached to the shaft, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the user cannot remove the head for cleaning or other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism between the mop head and shaft is designed to be dynamically changeable - locked in place during operation for stability, but easily releasable when needed for cleaning or replacement. The detent or release clip mechanism allows the connection state to transition between secured and removed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mop system is segmented into separable components (mop head and shaft) connected by a releaseable mechanism. This segmentation allows the head to remain securely attached during use while enabling easy removal when needed, providing both reliability and adaptability through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
A mop system including a shaft, a handle, a body, and a head. The handle configured to be ergonomic with an actuator that is comfortable to use with a multitude of grips and is configured to trigger a release of a fluid stored within a bottle of the body of the mop system. The flexible exit hose is partially enveloped with a rigid hose guide to control the dispensing direction of the fluid. The bottle having a shape configured with a grip cover to maximize user grip. The head of the mop system configured to releasably attach to an end of the shaft, with release clips to detach the head of the mop system from the shaft. The head further having a plurality of channel portions formed on a bottom surface to receive various cleaning attachments.