I propose an adjustable size broom. This would allow you to sweep the whole area with one device, reach tight corners, cover large areas and still be convenient enough for generalized use. The sweep head could be separated into blocks of two inches. There would be twelve blocks in all. These blocks could all be extended for maximum coverage or lifted to a single section of two inches for tight areas. The broom's size would be adjustable via a simple pulley type system located on the handle of the broom. With this broom you could use Grand Ma's old side stroke technique or the janitor's stand behind and push method.
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This is a good idea and it has mass market merit. Because all the parts of the broom idea can be made out of plastics, setup for manufacture will be relatively low. The engineering design of the broom needs careful consideration because of the repetitive forces applied while sweeping and moving and hitting objects. But this is the kind of product that many housekeepers would try just because it is unique and would be relatively low cost.
I might not buy one, just because I have a broom and I've had the same one for over 10 years. But there are those that buy anything new and this fits the criteria for market interest.
An idea for reducing manufacturing costs:
Another way of controlling width might be a flexible recurve backbone that is more flexible at the ends. While the backbone gets more rigid towards the center. So when your pulley system starts applying tension, the ends curve back towards the handle while all the bristles remain parallel to the floor. The more tension you apply, the more the backbone bends, narrowing the sweep width. The backbone would have a height to thickness ratio that would provide enough rigidity to the bristles so that the bristles would not lift off the surface due to sweeping forces. This would eliminate many of the parts needed and may allow for reduced costs in manufacturing.