Retractable Blade Cleaning Tool for Safety and Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning tools pose a security risk due to their sharp edges and are inconvenient for carrying, with complex structures and high production costs.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning tool design featuring a tool head device with a cutting edge that is exposed during use and can be entirely or partially covered by a handle portion during non-use, incorporating a tool post with clips and a blade holder, and a locking mechanism to secure the blade, allowing for easy blade replacement and reduced risk of injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a sharp blade is provided for effective cleaning, then cleaning performance is improved, but security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is nested within the handle portion structure, allowing it to be concealed when not in use while remaining accessible for cleaning functions. The handle portion acts as a container that houses the blade, enabling the sharp element to be protected from accidental exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is designed to be movable between a retracted position (concealed within handle portion) and an extended position (exposed for cleaning). This dynamic configuration allows the same component to provide both safety during storage and effective cleaning functionality when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a blade hiding mechanism is added to reduce security risk, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade hiding function is merged with the handle portion structure itself rather than being a separate mechanism. The handle portion's geometry and configuration naturally provide the hiding function, eliminating the need for additional protective covers or complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle portion serves multiple functions: it provides the structural body of the tool, houses the blade for protection, and enables the blade's retraction and extension. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating multiple purposes into a single component.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a blade hiding mechanism is added to reduce security risk, then safety is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade hiding function is integrated into the handle portion manufacturing process rather than requiring separate components or assembly steps. This merging of functions simplifies production and reduces costs by eliminating additional parts and assembly operations.
4Ease of operation
If the blade is always exposed for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade transitions between concealed and exposed states based on operational needs. The dynamic design allows the blade to be easily accessed when cleaning is required while automatically being concealed during storage or transport, thus maintaining both ease of operation and security.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a cleaning tool comprising a tool head device and a handle portion, the tool head device comprises a cutting edge, and the handle portion is rotatably connected to the tool head device; the cutting edge is exposed outside of the handle portion in the use state; and the cutting edge is entirely or partially covered by the handle portion in the non-use state.