Release Lever Mechanism for Quick-Change Cleaning Head Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cleaning devices with permanently fixed cleaning elements are not suitable for versatile cleaning tasks, as they require a specific procedure for cleaning and are inefficient in terms of sustainability, with limited means for securing cleaning elements that lack rigidity, ease of use, and durability.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a release lever that allows quick attachment and detachment of cleaning elements, featuring a handle at one end and an ejecting surface at the other, configured to rotate and apply an ejecting force against the cleaning element frame within the cleaning element receiver.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a cleaning element is permanently fixed to the rod, then the cleaning device is cheaper to manufacture, but the cleaning device cannot be used for versatile cleaning tasks and requires replacement of the entire device instead of just the cleaning element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidversatility for different cleaning tasks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is divided into separate components: a reusable rod/handle assembly and replaceable cleaning elements. The cleaning element can be detached and replaced independently from the rod, allowing users to swap cleaning elements for different tasks without replacing the entire device. This segmentation enables both cost-effective manufacturing of the main body and flexible adaptability through element replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device transitions from a static, permanently fixed design to a dynamic, interchangeable system. The release lever mechanism enables the cleaning element to be easily attached and detached, creating a flexible system that can adapt to different cleaning needs. This dynamic capability allows the device to evolve and serve multiple purposes throughout its lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If conventional means are used to secure the cleaning element to the rod, then the device structure is simpler, but the means lack rigidity, ease of use, and durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoiddurability and ease of use of securing means
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A release lever mechanism serves as an intermediary component between the cleaning element and the rod. This lever provides a mechanical advantage system that enables easy attachment and detachment while maintaining a secure, rigid connection during use. The lever acts as a mediator that transforms simple user input into reliable securing or releasing action, solving both the simplicity and reliability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The release lever mechanism is designed to be operated by the user without requiring additional tools or complex procedures. The user can easily engage and disengage the cleaning element through intuitive manual operation of the lever, making the securing means self-servicing and user-friendly while maintaining durability through repeated use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the cleaning element is permanently attached to the rod, then there are fewer components, but the cleaning element and remaining components cannot be cleaned separately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidease of cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is segmented into removable cleaning elements and a permanent rod assembly. This segmentation allows the cleaning element to be detached for separate cleaning or replacement, while the rod and other components can be cleaned independently. The modular design enables targeted cleaning of soiled elements without requiring disassembly or cleaning of the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If replaceable cleaning elements are used, then versatility is improved, but the means for securing elements are limited in terms of rigidity, ease of use, and time required to switch elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to replace cleaning elementsVSAvoidtime required to switch cleaning elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The release lever acts as a mechanical intermediary that accelerates the element replacement process. By providing leverage and mechanical advantage, the lever reduces the time and effort required to attach and detach cleaning elements compared to direct manual insertion or removal. This intermediary mechanism enables quick element switching while maintaining secure attachment during cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables easy and efficient replacement of cleaning elements without touching soiled elements, improving versatility and sustainability by allowing multiple interchangeable cleaning heads and reducing wear and tear on the cleaning elements and device.

Implementation Method 1

The release lever is configured to rotate and thereby apply an ejecting force against the cleaning head frame via the ejecting surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12303088B2Release lever for cleaning device
Publication Date: 2025.05.20 CARL FREUDENBERG KG
  • US12303088B2 patent drawing
  • US12303088B2 patent drawing
  • US12303088B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cleaning device, including a cleaning head receiver, a cleaning head frame, a cleaning material attached to the cleaning head frame, and a release lever having a handle at a first end and an ejecting surface at a second end. The release lever is arranged within the cleaning head receiver. The release lever is configured to rotate and thereby apply an ejecting force against the cleaning head frame via the ejecting surface.