Squeegee with Selectable Rotation Mode to Prevent Blade Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing squeegees with rotation mechanisms are difficult for inexperienced users to operate in 'swivel' mode, as the blade can jam when parallel to the handle, and prior systems do not allow the blade to be placed parallel to the handle, limiting cleaning flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a first and second pivotal constraint allowing rotation about orthogonal and parallel axes, and a selection mechanism to switch between locked, constrained, and free rotation modes, enabling users to choose the optimal rotation mode for different cleaning phases, including a button-operated mechanism with a crown and selector to transition between these modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotation mechanism is provided to enable swivel mode with free rotation between the cleaning blade and handle, then cleaning speed and adaptability to variable directions are improved, but the blade can jam when parallel to the handle, making it difficult for inexperienced users to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic rotation mechanism that can switch between different operational states: free rotation mode for experienced users who need adaptability to variable directions, and constrained rotation mode with maximum 90° rotation for inexperienced users who need easier operation without jamming risks. This dynamic switching capability allows the same device to serve different user skill levels and different cleaning scenarios.
2Productivity
If a rotation mechanism is provided to enable swivel mode, then cleaning speed is improved, but the blade can jam when parallel to the handle, greatly slowing down the cleaning operation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the selected mode. In free rotation mode, the blade can rotate 360° around the handle axis, enabling rapid cleaning across variable directions and improving productivity. In constrained rotation mode, the mechanism limits rotation to a maximum of 90°, preventing the blade from reaching the parallel position where jamming occurs, thus ensuring reliable operation.
3Reliability
If mechanisms are provided to constrain rotation not to exceed 90°, then jamming is prevented, but the blade cannot be placed parallel to the handle, limiting cleaning flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adaptability by allowing users to switch between constrained rotation mode (maximum 90° rotation) for reliable operation without jamming, and free rotation mode (360° rotation) for maximum cleaning flexibility including the ability to place the blade parallel to the handle for cleaning at great distances from the operator.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a selection mechanism is added to allow switching between different rotation modes, then adaptability to various cleaning phases is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The selection mechanism enables dynamic switching between different rotation modes to adapt to various cleaning phases and user skill levels, improving versatility. While this does increase device complexity, the mechanism is designed to be integrated into the existing rotation system, sharing components where possible to minimize the complexity increase.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~4B
AI summary
A cleaning device (100) comprising a handle (110) for the handle of the cleaning device (100) by a user, said handle comprising a longitudinal axis z, a cleaning body (120) arranged to wipe a surface, said cleaning body (120) comprising a cleaning plane π arranged in contact with the surface. The cleaning device (100) also comprises a first pivotal constraint (130) arranged to allow a relative rotation α between the handle (110) and the cleaning body (120) about a first rotation axis x orthogonal to the cleaning plane π and a second pivotal constraint (140) arranged to allow a relative rotation β between the handle (110) and the cleaning body (120) about a second rotation axis y parallel to the cleaning plane π. The cleaning device (100) also comprises a first selection mechanism (150) arranged to make the first pivotal constraint (130) to pass between a free rotation mode, wherein the handle (110) and the cleaning body (120) can rotate freely to each other with respect to the first rotation axis x, a locked rotation mode, wherein the handle (110) and the cleaning body (120) cannot rotate to each other with respect to the first rotation axis x and a constrained rotation mode, wherein the relative rotation α has a maximum value equal to a predetermined value ã.