Dual-Position Spin Basket Mechanism for Easier Mop Wringing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning systems are not user-friendly and require significant effort to operate, especially when moving the cleaning device between washing and spinning dry functions, and often require considerable force to wring out cleaning textiles effectively.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning system with a basket and cleaning device connected by a coupling that transmits tensile force, allowing the basket to move between washing and spinning positions using a ballpoint pen mechanism, ensuring efficient washing and drying while maintaining compact dimensions and easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the basket is moved between washing and spin-drying positions using manual handling, then the cleaning device can be repositioned, but considerable force is required and handling is not user-friendly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of basket repositioningVSAvoidforce required for basket movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

A coupling device acts as an intermediary between the cleaning device and the basket. This coupling includes a ballpoint pen mechanism that translates the upward movement force applied by the user on the cleaning device handle into axial movement of the basket between washing and spin-drying positions, significantly reducing the force required compared to direct manual handling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual basket repositioning mechanism is replaced with a ballpoint pen mechanism that converts vertical movement into axial displacement. This mechanical substitution transforms the operation from direct force application to a guided movement system that requires minimal user effort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the coupling transmits tensile force equal to or greater than the liquid-filled bucket weight, then the basket can be securely held, but the cleaning device cannot be easily removed after spin-drying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebasket holding stabilityVSAvoidease of cleaning device removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is designed with a specific tensile force transmission characteristic: it transmits force equal to the basket's own weight to maintain secure holding during operation, but this force is intentionally limited to be less than the weight of the liquid-filled bucket. This parameter change allows the coupling to reliably hold the basket during washing and spin-drying while automatically releasing when the cleaning device is pulled upward after spin-drying

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the basket and cleaning device are permanently connected, then structural stability is improved, but the cleaning device cannot be detached for separate use or maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddetachability for separate use
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling between the basket and cleaning device is designed to be dynamically adjustable. During washing and spin-drying operations, the coupling maintains a stable connected state through the ballpoint pen mechanism. However, after spin-drying, when the cleaning device is pulled upward, the coupling automatically releases, allowing the cleaning device to be detached and used separately or for maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system enables effective washing and spinning of textiles with minimal slippage, automatic position adjustment, and easy handling, reducing user effort and maintaining compact dimensions for efficient cleaning processes.

Implementation Method 1

a ballpoint pen mechanism by which the basket can be positioned in a first position at its lowest in the bucket and a second position at its highest in the bucket by moving the handle up and down

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

the coupling transmits a tensile force that corresponds at least to the weight of the basket during the intended use of the cleaning system and wherein the coupling transmits a tensile force that is less than the weight of the liquid-filled bucket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

the basket is designed both as a washing and as a spin-drying basket for the cleaning textile... Spin-drying is achieved by setting the spin-dry basket and the cleaning textile inside it into rotation using the first actuating device. The cleaning textile is then spun dry by centrifugal force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal Force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3801174B1Cleaning system
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 CARL FREUDENBERG KG
  • EP3801174B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3801174B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3801174B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning system comprising a bucket (1) and a liquid-permeable basket (2) located in the bucket (1), wherein the basket (2) can be set into rotation (4) using a first actuating device (3) and is arranged so that its height (6) can be adjusted in the bucket (1) using a second actuating device (5), and a cleaning device (7) having a cleaning textile (8), wherein the cleaning device (7) has a handle (10) on the side (9) facing away from the cleaning textile (8) and wherein the basket (2) is designed both as a wash-out basket (11) and as a spin-dry basket (12) for the cleaning textile (8), wherein the second actuating device (5) comprises the handle (10) and a ballpoint-pen mechanism (13), using which the basket (2) can be positioned in a first position (16) lowest in the bucket (1) and a second position (17) highest in the bucket (1) by moving the handle (10) up (14) and down (15).