Motorized floor mop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional floor cleaning devices lack efficient multi-axis maneuverability and pad alignment mechanisms, leading to difficulty in effectively cleaning surfaces with rotating pads and ensuring proper pad alignment, which affects cleaning efficacy and user comfort.
Innovation Solution
A motorized floor mop with a multi-axis swivel joint and lock-out mechanisms for orthogonal axis control, combined with a pad alignment jig for precise pad mounting, allowing for enhanced maneuverability and efficient surface cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a multi-axis swivel joint is added to enable multi-axis maneuverability, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel joint is divided into two independent lock-out mechanisms, each controlling one axis of rotation. This segmentation allows the complex multi-axis control to be broken down into simpler, independently controllable components, making the overall system manageable despite its complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lock-out mechanisms are designed to be selectively engageable and disengageable, allowing the user to dynamically lock or unlock each axis as needed. This dynamic control provides multi-axis maneuverability when needed while maintaining simplicity when axes are locked in position
2Ease of operation
If lock-out mechanisms are added to control orthogonal axes, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock-out mechanisms are designed to be manually operated by the user through simple engagement and disengagement actions. Each mechanism serves itself by providing direct mechanical locking without requiring external control systems, complex actuators, or additional power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The two lock-out mechanisms are integrated into a single swivel joint assembly, combining the handle locking and base locking functions into one unified structure. This merging reduces overall complexity compared to having separate locking systems for each axis
3Manufacturing precision
If a pad alignment jig is used for precise pad mounting, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The pad alignment jig serves as an intermediary tool between the pad and the mounting surface. It provides a simple mechanical guide system with alignment pins and slots that ensure precise positioning without requiring complex measurement instruments or skilled alignment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment jig is designed to pre-position the pad in the correct orientation and location before final mounting. By performing the alignment action beforehand through the jig's mechanical guides, the actual mounting process becomes simpler and more precise
Data Source
AI summary
A floor cleaning apparatus comprising a housing, a motorized agitation system, and at least one removable pad alignment jig. The motorized agitation system comprising a plurality of rotatable pad holders provided on the housing, a plurality of cleaning pads, and at least one drive motor operably coupled with the plurality of rotatable pad holders. One of plurality of cleaning pads being provided on each of the plurality of rotatable pad holders for rotation thereof.