Tool assembly comprising universal handle and interchangeable tool heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor care tools are costly, require multiple components, and create storage challenges due to their specificity and frequent replacement needs, with the application of liquid products often leading to messes and hazards.
Innovation Solution
A universal handle system with interchangeable tool heads that includes a locking mechanism and modular design, allowing for various tools such as floor care, painting, and landscaping tools to be connected, reducing the number of components needed and improving durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specific floor care tools are used for different cleaning tasks, then the ability to perform various cleaning operations is improved, but the number of tools required increases, leading to higher costs and storage challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal handle system that can be attached to multiple different tool heads (sweeping, mopping, polishing, etc.), allowing a single handle to perform various cleaning operations. This resolves the contradiction by reducing the number of separate tools needed while maintaining versatility across different cleaning tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is divided into separate modular components: a universal handle and interchangeable tool heads. This segmentation allows users to keep one handle and swap tool heads based on the specific cleaning task, reducing the total number of tools needed while maintaining adaptability for different operations.
2Reliability
If traditional floor care tools are used with liquid cleaners, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but liquid application creates messes and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlled liquid application mechanism (scoop insert or dispenser) as an intermediary between the liquid cleaner and the floor surface. This intermediary allows precise application of liquid to the tool head or specific areas, preventing uncontrolled spreading and reducing mess and safety hazards while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
3Reliability
If floor care tools are frequently replaced due to wear, then cleaning performance is maintained, but the frequency of replacement increases costs and storage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to discard only the worn tool head while retaining and reusing the universal handle. This selective replacement approach maintains cleaning performance by swapping to a new tool head when needed, while recovering and reusing the durable handle component, thereby reducing overall replacement frequency and associated costs.
4Productivity
If a large inventory of floor care tools is maintained to meet cleanliness requirements, then cleaning coverage is improved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal handle system allows a single handle to perform multiple cleaning functions by attaching to different tool heads. This enables facilities to maintain a smaller inventory of handles while achieving comprehensive cleaning coverage across different areas and task types, significantly reducing storage space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the tool system into one universal handle and multiple specialized tool heads, the patent enables efficient storage where only the handle needs to be kept readily available, while tool heads can be stored as needed or on-demand, reducing the overall storage footprint while maintaining cleaning coverage capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool assembly includes an elongated handle and a locking system for attaching a tool head to the handle. The tool head can be a floor care tool or other accessory that can be attached to the handle such that the elongated length of the handle can aid in the use of the tool attached. The locking system includes a keyed locking collar for engaging at least a first portion of the tool head, and a locking cap rotatably positioned on the handle for engaging a second portion of the tool head. The handle can be extendable, such as by telescoping, and can also be overmolded.