Pull-Out Lip Cleaning Head With Automatic Joint Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices require manual locking of the articulated connection between the handle and holding device, which can be cumbersome and dependent on the shape and design of the mop head, making them less efficient and slower to operate.

Innovation Solution

The cleaning device features a projection and recess arrangement that automatically locks the articulated connection when the handle is rotated 180 degrees, allowing for independent locking regardless of the mop head design, and incorporates a universal joint for flexible pivoting about multiple axes, ensuring secure locking during removal and optimal fit during wiping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual locking of the articulated connection is used, then the cleaning device can be securely locked, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidoperational convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is pre-configured with a projection on one component and a recess on the other, positioned such that when the handle is rotated to the removal position, the locking elements automatically engage without requiring manual intervention. This preliminary arrangement of locking elements ensures secure locking while eliminating the need for manual locking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual locking mechanism is used, then the articulated connection can be locked, but the operation speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidwork speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-activating through the rotation motion itself. As the user rotates the handle from the wiping position to the removal position, the projection and recess automatically align and engage, locking the articulated connection without requiring separate manual locking actions. This self-service mechanism maintains locking reliability while significantly improving operation speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If locking mechanism is dependent on mop head design, then the locking can be integrated, but the adaptability to different mop head shapes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration easeVSAvoidmop head compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed with a universal projection-recess configuration that can accommodate different mop head shapes and sizes. The projection is positioned on the handle or holding device in a location that allows it to engage with the recess regardless of the specific mop head design. This universal design enables the same locking mechanism to work with various mop head configurations, maintaining both integration ease and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2189093B1Cleaning device with a pull-out lip
Publication Date: 2014.06.18 LEIFHEIT
  • EP2189093B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2189093B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2189093B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (1) has a handle (7) hingedly connected with a retaining device (2). The hinged connection is locked around an axis (9) that is perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of a release lip (6). The retaining device has a support block for receiving the axis. A lug or a pin is retained in a recess or a hole in a release position, where the lug or the pin and/or the recess or the hole is an integral component of the hinged connection. A wipe plate (3) e.g. sponge plate and the release element are arranged in planes that are parallel to each other.