Upright Sweep Set With Detachable Handles and Folding Dustpan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brooms and dustpans require users to bend over frequently, which can be cumbersome, and there is a need for a combination device that allows for both upright use and storage, with the ability to detach handles for versatility.
Innovation Solution
An upright sweep set comprising a broom with a detachable handle and a dustpan that can be used with or without a handle, featuring a live hinge tab system for coupling and uncoupling, allowing the broom to be used as both a traditional broom and a whisk broom, and the dustpan to fold for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a broom with a handle is used for cleaning, then the user can operate the broom without bending over, but the user still needs to bend over to collect the swept debris with a separate dustpan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the broom and dustpan into a single integrated unit where the dustpan handle is coupled to the broom handle. This merging eliminates the need for separate broom and dustpan devices, allowing the user to sweep and collect debris without bending over while reducing the number of separate components to manage.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated handle serves multiple functions: it acts as the broom handle for sweeping operations and simultaneously serves as the dustpan handle for debris collection. The dustpan can also be detached from the broom when not needed, providing versatility in usage scenarios.
2Device complexity
If a dustpan with a short handle is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user must bend over frequently to collect debris
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the dustpan with a long handle to the broom, the system provides an extended reach that eliminates the need for bending over during debris collection, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the integrated design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the broom and dustpan are stored separately, then each device can be used independently, but the storage space required increases and organization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dustpan is designed to nest within or attach to the broom structure when not in use, allowing both devices to be stored together in a compact arrangement. The integrated handle design enables the dustpan to be positioned along the broom handle, reducing the overall storage footprint while maintaining independent usability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the broom handle is made detachable for versatility, then the broom can be used as both a handled broom and a whisk broom, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The broom handle is segmented into detachable sections, allowing the user to separate the broom head from the handle for use as a whisk broom, or keep them assembled for traditional broom use. The dustpan handle is also segmented to allow attachment and detachment from the broom handle, providing multiple configuration options.
5Volume of moving object
If the dustpan is designed to fold for storage, then the storage volume is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dustpan incorporates a folding mechanism that allows it to transition between an extended position for debris collection and a folded position for compact storage. The hinge joint enables the dustpan body to fold along the handle, reducing the overall length and volume when stored, while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Data Source
AI summary
An Upright Sweep Set is disclosed where an upright dustpan with a handle and retention claw arrangement serves to retain a broom or another cleaning device. The upright dustpan can be used without bending over, and folds up for storage or to retain debris that have been collected. The broom has a retention collar to allow the retention claw of the upright dustpan to grip the broom with the dustpan in either the open or the closed position. Both the upright dustpan and the broom have removable handles that are retained with a live hinge tab and receiver to allow the broom to also be used as a whisk broom and to allow the upright dustpan to be used either with or without a handle.