Steam Mop Water-Level Viewing and Detachable Frame Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam mops lack an effective indication of water level in the reservoir and have cumbersome connections to mop frames, making them difficult to use and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A steam mop design featuring a housing with a window for viewing the water level, an LED for improved visibility, and a universal connector system that easily disconnects from the steam frame, allowing for easy handling and use of both sides of the steam frame for cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a water reservoir is used in the steam mop, then water can be stored and pumped to the boiler, but the user cannot easily monitor the water level remaining in the reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using an LED that illuminates the water tank to improve visibility of the water level. The LED changes or provides color illumination that makes the water level clearly visible through the window, allowing users to easily monitor remaining water without complex sensors or displays.
2Ease of operation
If the housing is permanently connected to the steam frame, then structural stability is maintained, but the user cannot easily disconnect and clean both sides of the steam frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the steam mop into separable components: the housing and the steam frame are connected through a universal connector that allows easy disconnection. This segmentation enables users to detach the housing to clean both sides of the steam frame while maintaining stable connection during operation through the latch mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal connector is used to connect housing to steam frame, then adaptability to different mop frames is improved, but the connection mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a universal connector with standardized opening and latch mechanism that can connect to various types of steam frames and mop handles. This single universal interface replaces the need for multiple specialized connectors, providing broad compatibility while maintaining relatively simple construction through standardized components.
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 steam mop provides clear water level indication, easy disconnection from the mop frame, and universal pivoting capabilities, enhancing user control and efficiency in cleaning various areas.
Implementation Method 1
an LED positioned in the water tank to illuminate the water tank to improve the visibility of the water level in the tank
Implementation Method 2
an electrical water pump with an on/off switch. The electric water pump outlet is connected to a steam boiler with a heating element to heat the water. The heated water generates steam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A steam mop including a mop housing is provided. The mop housing includes a water tank with a water inlet and a water outlet, a water pump with a pump inlet and a pump outlet and a boiler. A mop handle is connected to the mop housing at one end and a steam frame is connected to the housing at the opposite end. The water tank has a water inlet opening to a surface of the housing with a removable inlet cap where the surface of the housing about the cap has a funnel shape. The water pump is coupled to the outlet of the water tank and inlet of the boiler so that movement of the steam mop activates the pump to pump water from the water container to the boiler for the generation of steam. In addition, a steam frame assembly provided with a fabric steam pocket is selectively removable from the housing. The frame has an opening in about the middle of rear wall for mounting a connector including a top end having a steam inlet for connecting to the housing and a bottom end for connecting to a steam passageway extending to the front of the steam frame and a plurality of baffles that cross the steam passageway at substantially right angles.