Foot-Operated Sled Locking for Articulated Mop Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dust mop devices require complex and costly mechanisms to lock and unlock the articulated joint between the handle and plate in the longitudinal direction, which are inconvenient to operate with hands.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a sled element with cantilever extensions for foot-operated locking and unlocking of the articulated joint, utilizing a fork configuration with conchoidal imprints and a male appendage for engagement with the base element, allowing the user to control the longitudinal articulation with their feet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used to lock the articulated joint in the longitudinal direction, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent articulations: one for longitudinal movement (between plate and handle-holder) and one for transversal movement (between handle-holder and handle). This segmentation allows each articulation to be locked independently using simple sled elements, avoiding the need for a single complex locking mechanism while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple sled elements with male appendages and conchoidal imprints instead of expensive complex locking mechanisms. These simple components provide reliable locking at low cost, embodying the principle of using simple, inexpensive objects to replace complex ones.
2Ease of operation
If hand-operated locking mechanisms are used, then the locking control is precise, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenience during cleaning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The sled element acts as an intermediary between the user's foot and the locking mechanism. The foot operates the sled element along the guided path, which in turn controls the locking of the articulated joint. This intermediary approach allows foot-operated control without requiring complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using hand-operated mechanisms as conventionally done, the patent inverts the operation method by using foot-operated control. This inversion allows the user to lock/unlock the mechanism while keeping hands free for cleaning operations, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If simple locking structures are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The sled element is designed with a guided path and conchoidal imprints that preliminarily define the engagement positions before actual locking occurs. This preliminary structuring ensures that even simple components achieve precise engagement through their geometric design rather than requiring high manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The conchoidal imprints provide curved engagement surfaces that guide the male appendage into proper alignment during the locking motion. This curvature compensates for minor manufacturing variations and ensures reliable engagement, reducing the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~7
Figure 8~13
AI summary
Device for locking the articulated joint (4,5) in the longitudinal direction between the plate (2) of a dust mop and the handle (1), which consists in the fact that in the arms (14) of the fork of the handle-carrying element (12), in articulated joint with the base element (7) that is in articulated connection with the plate (2) for a cleaning mop, is fitted a sled element (20), which lower part is shaped as male part (21), and the upper part (11) of the base element (7) is shaped as female part, and the manoeuvre for locking occurs to coupling the male part (21) with the female part (11).