Window cleaning device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window cleaning devices with flexible lips are not universally compatible with all handles, as they require specific adaptations and fasteners, limiting their use with different handle designs.

Innovation Solution

A window cleaning device featuring a flexible lip with longitudinal protrusions and a C-shaped retaining ridge that accommodates various handle designs, allowing for secure attachment without additional fasteners, and a rocking securing element for easy handle coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the flexible lip is secured using a design that adapts on both sides with fasteners, then the flexible lip is firmly secured in the support part, but the device is not universally compatible with different handle designs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring firmnessVSAvoidhandle compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support part is designed with a C-shaped retaining ridge that can accommodate various handle designs without requiring specific adaptations. This universal design allows the same support part to be used with different handle types, eliminating the need for handle-specific configurations while maintaining secure attachment of the flexible lip.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fasteners are removed from the design entirely. Instead of using traditional fastening mechanisms that require adaptation to different handles, the flexible lip is retained solely by the C-shaped retaining ridge through friction and geometric constraint, simplifying the design and enabling universal compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If fasteners are included to secure the flexible lip on both ends, then the flexible lip cannot come out of the support part, but additional components and complexity are added to the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention securityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Fasteners are completely removed from the design. The flexible lip is secured exclusively through the C-shaped retaining ridge, which uses the protrusions on the flexible lip and the corresponding guides in the support part to create a secure fit without any additional fastening components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The C-shaped retaining ridge automatically secures the flexible lip through its geometric configuration. The ridge engages with the protrusions and guides, creating a self-retaining mechanism that does not require external fasteners or additional securing actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3549501B1Window cleaning device
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 SOLE SALA AGUSTI
  • EP3549501B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a window cleaning device comprising a flexible lip (1) which defines at least one linear contact zone with the window to be cleaned and dried, said flexible lip (1) comprising at least one protrusion (2) which can be accommodated inside a guide (3) of a support part (4), characterised in that said support part (4) also comprises a retaining ridge (5) in contact with a longitudinal edge of said flexible lip. In this way, the device is compatible with almost all handles for existing window cleaners on the market.