Retractable Mop Handle Stand for Upright Tool Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional long-handled tools, such as mops and brooms, lack self-supporting mechanisms when not in use, leading to issues like tripping hazards, damage, and back strain from frequent bending to retrieve them, as they are typically leaned against walls or placed on the ground.
Innovation Solution
A retractable stand device, known as the Mop Prop, Stick Stay, and Broom Base, which attaches to the handle of tools and extends tines like an upside-down umbrella to keep them upright, preventing them from falling and allowing for easy retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If tools are leaned against walls or furniture for storage, then tools can be stored in an upright position, but this creates tripping hazards and may damage the tools or furniture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wall-mounted bracket as an intermediary structure between the tool and the wall. This bracket provides a dedicated mounting point that allows the tool to be stored upright without directly leaning against the wall or furniture, thereby eliminating tripping hazards and preventing damage to both the tool and the wall/furniture surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool itself is equipped with a self-contained storage mechanism that allows it to stand upright independently. The tool's design includes features such as a weighted base or integrated support structure that enables it to maintain an upright position without requiring external support from walls or furniture, thus eliminating the need for leaning and associated hazards.
2Ease of operation
If tools are placed on the ground for temporary storage, then tools are less visible and out of the way, but this causes loss of track of tool location and wastes time locating the tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions tool storage from a horizontal placement on the ground to a vertical mounting position on the wall. This dimensional change allows the tool to be stored in an upright orientation, making it highly visible and easily locatable while keeping it out of the way during work activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall-mounted storage system provides visual feedback about tool location and status. When a tool is mounted on the wall, its position, orientation, and condition are immediately visible, allowing users to quickly locate and identify tools without having to search on the ground. The system provides continuous visual information about tool placement.
3Ease of manufacture
If tools are placed on the ground, then storage is simple and requires no additional structures, but this increases the risk of injury from bending to retrieve the tool
Solution Approach 1:
The wall-mounted bracket serves as an intermediary structure that eliminates the need for users to bend down and pick up tools from the ground. By providing an upright storage position on the wall, the bracket allows users to retrieve tools at a comfortable height, thereby preventing back injuries while maintaining storage simplicity through the use of a straightforward mounting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall-mounted storage system brings the tool retrieval height to a level that is ergonomically comfortable for users. By positioning the storage location at a standard wall height, the system creates an equipotential state where tools are always accessible at a convenient elevation, eliminating the need to bend or stoop and thereby preventing back injuries.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a retractable stand device is attached to tool handles, then tools can be kept upright independently, but this increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable stand device is designed with a nested structure where the support elements are contained within the tool handle itself. When not in use, the stand components are retracted inside the handle, creating a compact design. When needed, the stand extends to provide upright support, allowing the tool to stand independently without requiring external structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable stand device is designed as a universal component that can be attached to various tool handles. It serves multiple functions: providing upright storage support, acting as a handle attachment point, and serving as a structural reinforcement element. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated component.
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 Mop Prop keeps tools vertically oriented, reducing tripping hazards, preventing damage, and minimizing back strain by allowing tools to stand freely without leaning on walls or furniture, thus saving time and maintaining tool integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring and retainer(s) for extending the tines
Data Source
AI summary
A temporary or permanent attachment device to a broom, mop, or other such cleaning device, or other stick/rod, which needs to be propped upright temporarily when not in use or permanently during storage. The attachment provides the ability for the stick to stand freely, independent of leaning against a wall, furniture, door or other to prevent the stick from falling to the ground or against other objects, or people or pets or anything else on its way down. The attachment collapses against the stick. It is basically a case, springs, tines and release levers which are releasably attached to the extended handle of the tool.