Sponge board device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for squeezing water out of sponge boards, such as washboys and hinged pressure elements, fail to provide even pressure across sponge boards of varying thicknesses, leading to uneven water distribution and increased strain on workers due to repetitive motion.
Innovation Solution
A device with a bow handle, perforated base plate, and pivotable pressure element that includes interchangeable adapters to adjust the distance of the pressure surface, ensuring even pressure across different sponge board thicknesses, and features a spring for automatic return and locking mechanism for convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed-distance pressure element is used, then the device structure is simple, but the pressure distribution becomes uneven for sponge boards of different thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure element is made adjustable in distance from the perforated plate through interchangeable adapters, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different sponge board thicknesses. This transforms a static fixed-distance design into a dynamic adjustable one, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and pressure uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the pressure element's distance from the base plate by providing multiple adapters with different thicknesses. This parameter adjustment enables even pressure distribution across sponge boards of varying thicknesses while maintaining overall device simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple fixed-distance adapters are provided, then pressure distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components: a base plate, a pressure element, and multiple interchangeable adapters. Each adapter is a separate, simple component that can be independently selected and attached, reducing the complexity of the overall system while achieving precise pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure element is designed with universal compatibility to accept different adapters, creating a multi-functional system that can handle various sponge board thicknesses. This universal design approach allows one pressure element to serve multiple functions with different adapters, avoiding the need for multiple complete devices.
3Productivity
If repetitive squeezing motions are used, then water removal is achieved, but worker fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous water removal through a single squeezing motion that maintains consistent pressure across the entire sponge board surface. The large surface area contact and adjustable distance ensure that one continuous action is sufficient, eliminating the need for repetitive motions and reducing worker fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable adapter acts as an intermediary between the pressure element and the sponge board, ensuring optimal pressure transmission. This intermediary component allows the user to set the correct distance once, enabling efficient water removal without repetitive actions, thus improving ease of operation.
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
Enables efficient, single-motion water extraction with even pressure distribution across various sponge board thicknesses, reducing worker fatigue and ensuring consistent water removal without excess water retention.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure element may be pretensioned by a spring, and preferably by an internal spring in the at least one hinge
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a device for squeezing water out of a sponge board (1) having a bow handle (2) arranged on a backing plate (14), the device comprising a perforated base plate (3) and a pressure element (4), wherein the perforated base plate (3) comprises multiple drainage openings (5) for allowing water to drain from an upper surface (6) of the perforated base plate; and the pressure element (4) comprises a first end (7), a second end (8), at least one pressure surface (11) and a recess (9), the recess is arranged to accommodate the bow handle (2) when the sponge board (1) is arranged on the upper surface (6) of the perforated base plate (3), the first end (7) is pivotably connected to the perforated base plate by at least one hinge (12) and the second end (8) is distal from the first end and comprises a push handle (10), and the pressure element (4) may pivot between a first position, wherein the sponge board (1) may be arranged on the upper surface (6) of the perforated base plate (3), and a second position, wherein the at least one pressure surface (11) is parallel to, and at a predetermined distance from, the upper surface (6) of the perforated plate (3), wherein the device comprises means for changing the predetermined distance of the at least one pressure surface (11) in the second position.