Vertically actuated wringer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mop wringers for buckets are prone to breakage under vertical force and have limited wringing capacity due to their configuration, requiring the entire assembly to be replaced when damaged.

Innovation Solution

A vertically actuated wringer system comprising a detachable wringer cone and base, where the wringer cone is made of elastically deformable thermoplastic material with extensions and prolongations forming a convex shape to facilitate easy wringing without requiring rotational movement, allowing only the wringing area to be replaced if broken.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the wringer is made as a single integrated assembly, then the structure is simple, but the entire assembly must be replaced when the wringing area breaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidreplacement cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The wringer is divided into two separate components: a base and a wringer cone. The base remains attached to the bucket while the wringer cone can be detached and replaced. This segmentation allows the expensive wringing area to be replaced independently without replacing the entire assembly, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the wringer uses rigid structure, then the strength is high, but the wringing capacity is limited due to lack of flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidwringing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wringer cone is made from elastomeric material that can be molded into a rigid-looking structure but remains inherently flexible. This flexible material allows the cone to deform and conform to the mop head shape during wringing, providing high wringing capacity while maintaining structural integrity and strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If the wringer requires rotational movement, then the wringing effect is improved, but the operation becomes more complex and requires more space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewringing efficiencyVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring the mop to rotate within the wringer, the invention inverts the mechanism: the wringer cone itself rotates or flexes to wrap around and squeeze the mop head. This inversion simplifies the operation to a simple pressing motion while maintaining effective wringing, eliminating the need for complex rotational mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Ease of operation

If the wringer uses large force, then the wringing capacity is improved, but the bucket structure is more prone to breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewringing capacityVSAvoidbucket durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric material of the wringer cone allows it to generate high wringing forces through elastic deformation rather than requiring large external forces from the user. The material's elasticity enables it to store and release energy efficiently, providing strong wringing action while keeping the forces applied to the bucket structure within safe limits, thus protecting the bucket from breakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables efficient wringing of mop heads with reduced force requirement and improved water removal, while allowing for cost-effective replacement of the wringing area, enhancing durability and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the wringer cone is made of elastically deformable thermoplastic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3763276B1Vertically actuated wringer

Publication Date: 2023.07.19 SP BERNER PLASTIC GRP SL

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a vertically actuated wringer formed by a wringer cone (1) and a base (2) comprising a flat surface with a hole from which projects a skirt (10) that ends in an inward-facing support ring (11) for attaching the wringer cone (1), which cone in turn comprises a series of extensions (4) along the length of a ring (3) and which end in rounded vertices (5), prolongations (6) being joined to the extensions by means of said vertices (5), thereby forming an angle, and to a circular base (8) having an elevation toward the body defined by the prolongations (6), the extensions (4) and the prolongations (6) being elastically deformable, and the vertices (5) having a thicknessing (7) that increases the possibility of applying larger forces, by means of a mop, to the circular base (8).