A mop wringing device and kit comprising said device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mop wringing devices are costly, laborious to use, and inefficient due to complex geometries and high production costs, with many requiring assembly of multiple components and relying on metal coil springs or tie rods.

Innovation Solution

A mop wringing device with an external support and internal component featuring elastically deformable strips and ribs that form a contraction volume, where the mop is inserted and pushed to deform the strips, accumulating elastic energy for efficient water removal and easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple components are assembled to form the wringing device, then the device can achieve wringing function, but the production cost increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewringing functionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (external support, internal component, elastic element, and bottom element) into a single integrated wringing device that functions as a unified system. The elastic element is housed within the external support, and the internal component moves relative to these fixed elements to create the wringing action, eliminating the need for complex assembly of multiple independent parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into functional segments: the external support provides structural framework, the internal component creates the contraction volume, the elastic element provides restoring force, and the bottom element seals the contraction space. Each segment performs a specific function while working together as an integrated system, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If complex geometry is used in the wringing device, then wringing efficiency can be improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewringing efficiencyVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simple geometric shapes (conical external support, cylindrical internal component) with optimized parameters. The contraction volume is created through the relative movement and dimensional relationship between simple geometric forms rather than complex carved shapes, reducing manufacturing difficulty while maintaining wringing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The device concentrates geometric complexity only where needed for function: the cam profile on the internal component's peripheral surface provides the necessary mechanical action for wringing, while the rest of the components maintain simple geometries for ease of manufacture. The elastic element is positioned to engage specifically with the cam profile at critical points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Force

If strong downward thrust is required to wring out the mop, then wringing force is sufficient, but the operation becomes laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewringing forceVSAvoidmanual effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device transforms the static compression force into a dynamic wringing action through the cam profile mechanism. As the internal component moves downward, the cam profile converts this linear motion into a rotating or oscillating motion of the elastic element, creating a twisting action on the mop that is more effective than pure compression and requires less manual effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cam profile acts as an intermediary mechanism between the downward thrust applied by the user and the wringing force applied to the mop. It transforms and amplifies the input force, converting vertical compression into rotational stress on the elastic element, which then applies the wringing action to the mop with greater efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the rotating part has particular geometry at rest, then the device structure is stable, but the useful diameter for mop insertion is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidmop insertion diameter
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The internal component is designed to be in a retracted or compressed position at rest, creating a compact stable structure. When the mop is inserted and the user applies downward thrust, the internal component extends or expands to its full operational diameter, providing sufficient insertion space for the mop while maintaining structural stability in its compact resting state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device efficiently removes water from the mop with less manual effort, reduces production costs by simplifying components, and enhances usability with a more practical design.

Implementation Method 1

a thrust of a mop inserted into the contraction volume causes a contraction movement of the ribs of the internal component toward the axis of the internal component, and hence a narrowing of the contraction volume defined by said ribs, and a flexural deformation of the elastically deformable strips of the external support. The flexural deformation of the elastically deformable strips of the external support causes an accumulation of elastic energy that generates a thrust of the elastically deformable strips of the external support on the internal component, in opposition to the contraction movement.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic energy accumulation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3626150B1A mop wringing device and kit comprising said device
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 I M L
  • EP3626150B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3626150B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3626150B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device comprises an external support destined to be fitted to a bucket and configured to house an internal component. The internal component defines a contraction volume. The external support comprises a plurality of elastically deformable strips and the internal component comprises a plurality of ribs defining a contraction volume and constrained to the external support so as to be able to move with respect thereto. When a mop is inserted into the contraction volume and thrust toward the bottom of the bucket, the internal component and the external support contract accumulating potential elastic deformation energy. When the mop is removed, the external support returns to the condition at rest and thrusts the external component to expand toward the uncontracted condition of the contraction volume.