Squeegee Assembly Quick-Release Coupling for Easier Blade Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing squeegee assemblies for floor cleaning machines are cumbersome to maintain due to the difficulty in connecting and replacing squeegee blades, as they require perpendicular connectors which complicate the process.

Innovation Solution

A squeegee assembly with a frame and a biased member that engages a recess on a lifting member, allowing for easy attachment and detachment with a predetermined force, and a fork-like configuration for secure coupling, simplifying the process of connecting and replacing squeegee blades.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If perpendicular connectors are used to connect squeegee blades to the squeegee assembly, then the connection is secure, but the process of changing squeegee blades becomes cumbersome and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidblade replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The squeegee blade is divided into a modular design where the blade element can be independently replaced. The lifting member with fork-like configuration allows the blade to be segmented into replaceable portions, simplifying the replacement process while maintaining secure connection through the biased member engagement system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from a static perpendicular connector to a dynamic biased member system that automatically engages and disengages. The biased member provides continuous engagement force during operation but allows easy release when force is applied, enabling secure connection during use while facilitating simple replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple connectors are used to attach squeegee blades, then the attachment is stable, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidconnector quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connection functions are merged into a single integrated biased member system. The biased member combines the functions of connection, stabilization, and easy release into one component, eliminating the need for multiple separate connectors while maintaining attachment stability through its biased engagement with the lifting member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The biased member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides secure engagement during operation, enables easy release when needed, and simplifies the overall connection mechanism. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized connectors, reducing device complexity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This design enhances the efficiency of squeegee assembly maintenance by streamlining the attachment and detachment process, reducing the complexity and effort required for blade replacement.

Implementation Method 1

a biased member coupled to the frame and positioned adjacent to the aperture. The biased member is biased toward the aperture... The recess is dimensioned and configured to receive the biased member. The biased member is biased to engage the recess and couple the frame to the lifting member.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2554090B1Squeegee assembly for a floor cleaning machine
Publication Date: 2014.04.09 DIVERSEY INC
  • EP2554090B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2554090B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2554090B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a squeegee assembly. The squeegee assembly (30) is adapted for use with a floor cleaning machineand comprises: a frame (32) having an aperture (33); a biased member (97) coupled to the frame and positioned adjacent to the aperture, the biased member being biased toward the aperture; a squeegee blade coupled to the frame; and a lifting member (88) extending between the machine and the frame and having an end (90) positioned within the aperture, the lifting member having a recess (98) positioned adjacent the end positioned within the aperture, the recess being dimensioned and configured to receive the biased member; wherein the biased member is biased to engage the recess to couple the frame to the lifting member.