Variable angle dustpan

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing long-handled dustpans struggle to maintain an ergonomically desirable angle for sweeping, are difficult to empty without causing upper body and back strain, and occupy unnecessary space during storage.

Innovation Solution

A dustpan with handle combination featuring a slider plate that allows the dustpan to be angled for sweeping, easily emptied by rotating downwards, and stored compactly by aligning with the handle when laid flat or hung.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a long handle is used to avoid back strain and exposure to dirt, then the operator's safety and comfort are improved, but it becomes difficult to maintain an ergonomically desirable angle for sweeping and difficult to empty without causing upper body and back strain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexposure to dirt and back strainVSAvoidability to maintain ergonomic angle and empty dustpan

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dustpan incorporates a variable angle mechanism with a slider plate that can be positioned at different locations along the handle, allowing the angle between the dustpan and handle to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the operator to maintain an ergonomically desirable angle for sweeping while also being able to empty the dustpan comfortably without excessive strain on the upper body and back.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the dustpan is designed with a fixed angle for ergonomic sweeping, then sweeping comfort is improved, but the dustpan cannot be easily emptied or stored compactly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic sweeping angleVSAvoidability to empty and store dustpan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The variable angle mechanism allows the dustpan to be adjusted to different angles depending on the operational requirement. During sweeping, the slider plate is positioned to maintain an ergonomically desirable angle. During emptying, the slider plate can be repositioned to allow the dustpan to rotate to a more convenient angle, and during storage, the dustpan can be collapsed to a compact configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the handle allows variable angling for ergonomic sweeping, then sweeping comfort is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic angle adjustmentVSAvoidmechanism for angle adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The variable angle mechanism is divided into discrete components including a slider plate with multiple positioning locations, hinge plates, and a block structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slider plate mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring additional power sources or complex control systems. The user simply moves the slider plate to the desired position along the handle, and the mechanism self-locks into place through the interaction of the slider plate with the block and hinge plates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Strength

If the dustpan structure is made rigid for durability, then strength is improved, but the dustpan occupies more space during storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural durabilityVSAvoidstorage space occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dustpan is designed with a collapsible structure that allows it to transition between a rigid, durable configuration during use and a compact, space-saving configuration during storage. The hinge plates and connecting mechanisms allow the dustpan to be folded or collapsed without compromising its structural integrity when in the extended position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12232675B2Variable angle dustpan

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 RIVETTE MARC

AI summary

A dustpan with handle combination is described which includes a slider plate apposed to a front surface of the handle. Slits through which stoppers are connected to the handle are provided to limit the range of movement of the slider plate. When the slider plate is extended downwards to a first position in use, the slider plate and handle lock against the back plate, below the rectangular block, at an obtuse angle for sweeping dirt. When the slider plate is retracted upwards to a second position, the dustpan rotates downwards with respect to the handle to a reflex angle ergonomically preferable for emptying dirt. When the slider plate is retracted upwards with the dustpan resting on a surface and the handle rotated forwards around the connecting means, the handle locks against the back plate at a convenient resting angle. When the slider plate is retracted upwards during non-use, the dustpan will rotate to align with the handle when laid flat or hung for space-saving during storage.