Replaceable Cleaning Pad and Solution for Multi-Surface Debris Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices are inadequate for handling multiple types of debris on various surfaces, as they often require multiple devices or solutions, complicating the cleaning process and extending task duration.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a sole plate and a removable/replaceable cleaning surface, along with a built-in supply of cleaning solution, allowing for easy switching between different pads and solutions to suit specific cleaning tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single cleaning device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness for multiple debris types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of cleaning devicesVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device incorporates multiple cleaning surfaces with different textures (smooth, textured, scrubbing) on a single sole plate, allowing one device to effectively clean multiple types of debris from various surfaces including glass, tile, and grout, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cleaning devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If cleaning solution is applied continuously, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but cleaning solution consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning solution consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning surfaces are made from materials with varying porosity and absorbency characteristics, allowing them to retain and gradually release cleaning solution during the cleaning process, providing sustained cleaning effectiveness while reducing overall cleaning solution consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The device design allows for periodic application and release of cleaning solution through the porous cleaning surfaces, creating a rhythm of cleaning action that maintains effectiveness while optimizing solution usage efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cleaning surfaces are integrated, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning surface varietyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cleaning surfaces with different textures and functions are merged into a single integrated sole plate assembly, providing versatility for cleaning various debris types and surfaces while maintaining a unified, simple device structure that does not increase overall complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9044852B2Cleaning device having onboard replaceable cleaning pad and onboard replaceable cleaning solution

Publication Date: 2015.06.02 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A device for cleaning debris from a target surface. The device has a sole plate with permanent cleaning material, such as bristles, and a removable/replaceable pad. The device also has a replaceable, on-board supply of cleaning solution. The pad/cleaning solution may be replaced when depleted and replaced with a new pad/cleaning solution or may simply be replaced with a new pad/cleaning solution when that pad/cleaning solution is more suitable for a particular cleaning task.