Hinged Squeegee Jaw Assembly for Fast Blade Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing squeegee assemblies are not designed for efficient and cost-effective blade replacement, which is a critical need in applications requiring frequent blade changes, such as cleaning skyscraper windows.
Innovation Solution
A quick change squeegee assembly featuring a top rail, hinged compression frame with biasing springs and T-bolts, and adjustment knobs that allow for easy blade installation and secure retention, enabling rapid blade replacement with low manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional squeegee assembly design is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the blade replacement process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The squeegee assembly is divided into modular components: a reusable frame assembly and replaceable blade cartridges. The frame assembly includes a top rail, bottom rail, and hinged compression frame with jaws, while the blade cartridges can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows rapid blade replacement without replacing the entire squeegee assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged compression frame incorporates a dynamic hinged mechanism with biasing springs that automatically open the jaws when the blade cartridge is inserted and securely close them when tightened. The adjustment knobs provide dynamic control over the jaw compression force, enabling quick transition between blade insertion and secure retention.
2Strength
If a secure blade retention mechanism is implemented, then the blade holding strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing springs in the hinged compression frame automatically exert force to open the jaws and maintain them in an open position during blade insertion. The springs self-regulate the compression force, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while ensuring secure blade retention. The system uses the springs' inherent elastic properties to provide consistent holding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a mechanism that requires continuous force to keep the blade secured, the design inverts the approach by using biasing springs to naturally maintain the jaws in an open state, requiring force only during the tightening phase. This inversion simplifies the retention mechanism while maintaining strong blade holding capability.
3Loss of time
If a quick release mechanism is added to enable rapid blade changes, then the blade replacement time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment knobs serve dual functions: they act as both the tightening mechanism for securing the blade and the release mechanism for blade replacement. The same component that compresses the jaws to hold the blade firmly also, when loosened, allows the biasing springs to automatically open the jaws for quick blade removal. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing springs act as intermediaries between the adjustment knobs and the jaws, translating the rotational motion of the knobs into linear compression or release of the jaws. The springs mediate the force transmission, allowing simple rotational input to produce the complex motion of opening and closing the jaws securely.
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 solution enables rapid and secure blade changes with minimal manufacturing costs, ensuring efficient operation and ease of maintenance in high-frequency cleaning applications.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is positioned between the jaws for biasing the jaws away from one another. The biasing member can be a flat spring having angled sides and threaded aperture in a top portion.
Implementation Method 2
the adjustment knobs are turned clockwise until tight for compressing the jaws against each side of the blade for a firm hold of the blade in place
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a quick change squeegee assembly for expeditiously replacing the blades of the assembly. A top rail is attached to a pole socket assembly. A hinged compression frame is attached to the top rail. The hinged compression frame includes hinge for coupling a pair of jaws to one another. A biasing member is positioned between the jaws for biasing the jaws away from one another. A plurality of springs can be used to bias the pair of jaws along the length thereof for holding within the jaws an inserted bladed securely along the length of the blade. Each spring can be associated with jaws using a T-bolt inserted through the threaded aperture of the spring, through an aperture of the hinged compression frame and through an aperture of the top rail. An adjustment knob is attached to the T-bolt. The adjustment knob can be activated by rotating in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner for closing and opening the jaws of the hinged compression frame.