Self-Closing Lobby Dustpan With Nested Broom Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lobby dustpans often suffer from debris spillage, broom debris shedding during transport, and instability, as they lack self-standing and self-closing features with effective storage solutions for the broom handle and head.
Innovation Solution
A self-standing lobby dustpan with a pivoting assembly and lid-handle coupling feature that automatically closes when lifted, incorporating a position locking mechanism and broom handle storage, ensuring the lid covers the bucket opening and maintaining stability through strategic center of gravity placement and base contact points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lobby dustpan is designed to pivot for receiving debris, then the ability to collect debris is improved, but the lid cannot remain closed during transport causing debris to spill out
Solution Approach 1:
The dustpan automatically closes the lid during transport through its self-service mechanism. The center of gravity is positioned between the outer contact points of the base, creating a self-closing action that securely contains debris without requiring user intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between easy operation and reliable containment.
2Ease of operation
If the lobby dustpan is designed with an open top for easy debris loading, then the ease of operation is improved, but debris can blow or spill out during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The lid transitions dynamically between open and closed positions based on the dustpan's orientation. When upright for transport, gravity automatically closes the lid to prevent debris spillage. When tilted for loading, the lid opens naturally, maintaining ease of operation while eliminating harmful debris spillage during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-closing mechanism uses the dustpan's own weight and center of gravity positioning to automatically secure the lid during transport, eliminating the need for additional latching mechanisms while preventing debris spillage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the broom is carried with the lobby dustpan for cleaning operations, then the cleaning capability is improved, but the broom sheds debris during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The broom is nested within the dustpan bucket during transport, with the broom handle stored in the handle aperture and the broom head positioned inside the bucket. This nesting arrangement contains the broom securely, preventing debris shedding while maintaining cleaning capability when in use.
4Device complexity
If the lobby dustpan is designed without self-standing capability for simplicity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the dustpan cannot stand upright stably for use
Solution Approach 1:
The center of gravity is positioned at the equipotential point between the outer contact points of the base, creating a stable upright position. This gravitational balance allows the dustpan to stand independently without additional support structures, achieving stability without increasing device complexity.
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 dustpan effectively prevents debris spillage and broom debris shedding during transport by automatically closing the bucket, maintaining stability, and facilitating easy opening and closing, enhancing user convenience and cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The lid rotates about the bucket hub and a position locking feature enables the bucket to be locked in an open position
Implementation Method 2
The center of gravity of the bucket is offset from the pivot assembly which causes the bucket to close when the lobby dustpan is lifted up from an open position
Implementation Method 3
The center of gravity of the handle keeps the lid in a closed position when the lobby dustpan is standing in an upright position
Implementation Method 4
The position locking feature comprises a detent and a detent-coupler, such as a protrusion that is retained by the detent
Data Source
AI summary
A lobby dustpan is self-standing, self-closing and comprises a lid-handle coupling feature for receiving a broom head for retaining the broom head in the bucket of the lobby dustpan. The lid of the lobby dustpan substantially covers the opening of the bucket when in a closed position. A lobby dustpan is self-standing, wherein the center of gravity is between the outer contact points of the base. In addition, when the lobby dustpan is standing in an upright position on a horizontal surface, the center of gravity of the handle keeps the lid in a closed position. Furthermore, the center of gravity of the bucket is offset from the pivot assembly which causes the bucket to close when the lobby dustpan is lifted up from an open position. The specific geometry of the lobby dustpan enables a combination of features that heretofore are not available with existing lobby dustpans.