Pivotable Cleaning Head Connector With Fixed Yaw Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning implements with detachable heads often experience loose connections, yawing issues, and inability to pitch relative to the handle, leading to ergonomic design compromises and increased fatigue during use.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning implement design featuring a pivotably coupled head with a handle, utilizing a yoke and frusto-conical boss and receiver system that allows the head to pitch while maintaining a fixed yawing orientation, ensuring secure attachment and ergonomic functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a tapered connector is used to join the cleaning head to the handle, then the head can be easily assembled to the handle, but the connection easily loosens during use
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a static tapered fit to a dynamic system where the head can pivot relative to the handle. The pivot element enables controlled movement while the friction mechanism maintains secure connection, resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the connection parameters by introducing a pivot element that allows angular movement and a friction mechanism that adjusts the grip strength. This enables the connector to maintain reliability while preserving ease of assembly through a different mechanical approach.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed connector is used to join the cleaning head to the handle, then the head maintains a fixed orientation, but the head cannot pitch relative to the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The connector evolves from a completely fixed orientation to a dynamic system where the head can pivot. The pivot element specifically enables pitching motion while the friction mechanism and geometry constrain yawing, achieving adaptability while maintaining sufficient stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the pivot element that enables pitching, the friction mechanism that prevents yawing, and the geometric constraints that guide motion. This segmentation allows independent optimization of pitching capability and orientation stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the head is allowed to pivot freely on the handle, then the head can adjust to different surfaces, but the head yaws and rotates uncontrollably
Solution Approach 1:
The connector applies different constraints to different degrees of freedom: friction and geometry provide strong constraints against yawing rotation, while allowing pitching motion for surface adaptation. This local differentiation of constraint quality enables surface adaptation without uncontrolled rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allows pitching motion for surface adaptation while maintaining constraints against yawing. The friction mechanism and geometric constraints create a dynamic balance that permits necessary movement while preventing unwanted rotation.
4Ease of operation
If ergonomic design is prioritized with a fixed head orientation, then user fatigue is reduced, but the head cannot adapt to different cleaning surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The connector provides dynamic adaptability through pivoting capability, allowing the head to adjust to different surfaces while maintaining ergonomic benefits. The friction mechanism ensures the head stays in position during use, preserving user comfort while enabling surface adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system segments the degrees of freedom, allowing pitching motion for surface adaptation while constraining yawing to maintain ergonomic orientation. This segmentation enables simultaneous achievement of user comfort and surface adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The structure of the present invention provides pivotable coupling of a head to a handle. The head may assume various pitch angles relative to the handle. Once place at a particular pitch angle the head is releasably fixed-in-place and opposes pitching of the head relative to the handle to assume a new pitch angle. With the application of sufficient force on the head, the head is released from the fixed-in-place pitch angle and a new pitch angle is achieved.