Multi-surface spray mop and mop supporting stand

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning tools, such as mops and brushes, pose challenges in storage as they can cause stains and water damage when wet or damp, and may lead to bacterial growth due to improper drying.

Innovation Solution

A multi-surface spray mop system with machine washable microfiber pads and a compact mop supporting stand that allows for upright storage and drying, featuring interchangeable bottle adapters for various cleaning products and a design that includes a swivel joint and ergonomic handle for easy maneuverability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wet or damp mop and cleaning tools are stored in a storage area or closet, then storage convenience is improved, but stains and water damage on the floor occur and bacterial growth is promoted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage convenienceVSAvoidstains and water damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful element (water) from the storage process by providing a dedicated drying rack that allows mops and cleaning tools to drain and air-dry in an upright position. The rack includes drainage holes and a elevated platform design that separates the mop head from the floor surface, preventing water from causing stains or damage while maintaining storage convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The drying rack serves as an intermediary structure between the mop and the floor. It provides an elevated platform with drainage holes that allows water to drain away from the floor surface while supporting the mop in an upright position, thus preventing direct contact between water and the floor to avoid stains and damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wet or damp mop and cleaning tools are stored in a storage area or closet, then storage convenience is improved, but unpleasant odors and bacterial growth occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage convenienceVSAvoidunpleasant odors and bacterial growth
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful condition (moisture that causes odors and bacteria) by providing a drying rack with drainage holes and elevated platform design. This allows mops and cleaning tools to drain and air-dry in an upright position, removing the stagnant moisture environment that promotes bacterial growth and unpleasant odors while maintaining storage convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The drying rack enables the mop and cleaning tools to dry themselves through passive air circulation and drainage. The elevated platform and drainage holes allow water to naturally drain away and air to circulate around the mop head, creating a self-drying system that prevents bacterial growth and odors without requiring additional energy or intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of stationary object

If traditional mop storage is used, then storage space utilization is improved, but the mop cannot maintain upright position for drying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoidupright position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The drying rack incorporates a swivel joint that allows the mop handle to rotate and lock into an upright position. This dynamic mechanism enables the mop to transition from horizontal storage to vertical drying position, maintaining stability in the upright position through the locking mechanism while still utilizing compact storage space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drying rack transitions the mop from horizontal storage orientation to vertical upright orientation by providing an elevated platform and support structure. This dimensional change allows the mop to stand upright for drying while maintaining compact foot, effectively utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal floor space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11426049B2Multi-surface spray mop and mop supporting stand
Publication Date: 2022.08.30 FOR LIFE PRODUCTS LLC
  • US11426049B2 patent drawing
  • US11426049B2 patent drawing
  • US11426049B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-surface spray mop system having a spray mop and mop stand. The mop having an elongated segmented body with at least an upper pole section and a lower pole section releasably coupled. The mop stand supports and maintains the spray mop in an upright position above a floor surface by maintaining the center of gravity of the spray mop within a base of a support area defined by the mop supporting stand.