Resilient Clip-On Connector for Dust Mop Pivot Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for cleaning devices like dust mops and push brooms are difficult to install/remove and often detach unintentionally, and they require handling dirty or wet mop heads, with metal components prone to rust and wear.
Innovation Solution
A polymer-based clip-on connector with resilient jaws and an integrally-formed spring for hands-free operation, eliminating the need for small parts like springs and allowing secure attachment to a pivot bar without hardware, facilitating easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal spring and pivot rod mechanisms are used to retain the clamp to the wire, then the clamp can be held in place, but the components are prone to rust and wear after repeated exposure to water and damp areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the metal spring and pivot rod mechanism with a polymer-based resilient member that provides retention through elastic deformation. The resilient member is made entirely of polymer material that does not rust, eliminating the harmful effect of corrosion while maintaining the retention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a polymer material that combines the functionality of both the spring and pivot rod mechanisms into a single integrated component. This composite approach eliminates the need for separate metal parts that would rust, while maintaining the necessary mechanical retention properties.
2Ease of operation
If a lever mechanism is used to move the clamps for attachment or removal, then the clamp can be opened and closed, but the lever may strike stationary objects and cause the clamp to open unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member automatically closes the clamp around the wire through its elastic recovery after being deformed during attachment. This self-closing mechanism eliminates the need for a separate lever operation and prevents unintentional opening, as the resilient member only opens when intentionally compressed during removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from a lever-based mechanical movement to a direct compression of the resilient member. This parameter change allows for simpler, more reliable operation where the resilient member compresses to open and automatically recovers to close, eliminating the lever striking problem.
3Ease of manufacture
If wing nuts are used to connect the mop head to the handle, then the connection can be made, but it requires handling the mop head in close visual range which is difficult when the mop head is dirty, dusty and wet
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the connection process. Instead of directly handling the mop head to install wing nuts, the user simply attaches the resilient member to the wire, which then automatically secures the mop head. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for close visual handling of the dirty mop head.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a wire frame with connector clamp is used, then the mop head can be attached, but the connection is complex and subject to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resilient member, clamp, and retention mechanism into a single integrated polymer component. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate metal springs, pivot rods, and clamps, reducing device complexity while maintaining the connection capability and adaptability to different mop head configurations.
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
The solution provides a secure, hands-free attachment and detachment mechanism for cleaning device handles, reducing wear and tear and preventing unintentional disconnection, while being made entirely of durable polymer materials.
Implementation Method 1
an integrally-formed spring to compress the outer engagement slot that grips the mop wire of the mop head
Data Source
AI summary
A resilient device for joining a handle to a pivot bar of a wire support frame of a dust mop or other work member which allows for hands free operation to attach and remove the mop head or other work member. The holder includes a resilient member having first and second jaws extending generally parallel from one end of a base. Each of the jaws has an inner wall and an outer wall and which define at least an outer engagement slot and an inner engagement slot between their respective inner walls. The jaws also define an open end distal to the base and a closed end proximal or at the base. The outer engagement slot being arranged transversely to an axial direction of the first and second jaws proximal to an open end portion of the jaws opposite to the base. The inner slot is proximal to a closed end portion of the jaws proximal to the base. Typically, the entire apparatus can include a single or unitary piece of plastic or a single substance.