Twist Mop Retaining Clip for Secure Connector Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing twist mop designs face issues with connector detachment during vigorous mopping or wringing actions, making it difficult to securely replace mop fibers.
Innovation Solution
A twist mop design featuring a handle with aligned holes for a connector and a retaining clip with a semi-circular band and gripping tab that prevents axial movement or rotation of the connector, ensuring secure attachment and easy removal for fiber replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector is mounted to the handle in a manner that resists detachment, then the connector remains secure during vigorous mopping or wringing actions, but the connector becomes difficult to remove for mop fiber replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip is designed as a removable component that transitions between a secured state (holding the connector firmly) and a removed state (allowing easy connector removal). This dynamic element enables the system to switch between secure attachment and easy disassembly modes, resolving the contradiction between reliable attachment and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining clip is divided into distinct functional parts: a semi-circular band that engages with the handle and connector, and a gripping tab that provides user access. This segmentation allows the securing function and the removal function to be separated, enabling secure attachment during use while maintaining ease of removal when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is designed to allow removal for fiber replacement, then the mop fibers can be replaced, but the connector may inadvertently become detached during use
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip is pre-installed on the handle in a position that automatically secures the connector upon insertion. This preliminary securing action ensures the connector is firmly attached before any mopping or wringing actions occur, preventing inadvertent detachment while maintaining the ability to remove the clip for fiber replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining clip acts as an intermediary element between the handle and the connector. It provides a controlled connection mechanism that maintains secure attachment during normal use but can be easily removed by the user when fiber replacement is needed, thus mediating between security and replaceability requirements.
3Reliability
If a retaining mechanism is added to prevent connector detachment, then the connector remains secure during use, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip is constructed as a thin, flexible component with a semi-circular band that can elastically engage with the handle and connector. This flexible design provides effective retention without requiring complex mechanical structures, motors, or multiple components, thus maintaining simplicity while ensuring secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining clip is designed to be self-securing through its elastic properties and geometric configuration. When inserted, it automatically engages with the handle and connector holes, providing secure retention without requiring additional fastening actions, adjustments, or complex assembly procedures. The user simply inserts the clip, and it performs its securing function autonomously.
Data Source
AI summary
A twist mop is disclosed. The twist mop includes a handle with a recessed first end that includes a hole. The twist mop includes a collar that can rotate around the handle. Mop fibers are coupled to a connector that inserts into the recessed end of the handle and are also coupled to a collar that is rotatably mounted to the handle. The connector also includes a hole. A retaining clip is provided to insert in the hole in the handle and in the hole in the connector so as to prevent the connector from becoming inadvertently disconnected from the handle. The retaining clip includes a tab with a gripping surface that may be concave to facilitate improved removal of the retaining clip. The tab may also include angled side walls.