Adjustable Absorbent Pad Frame with Upward Edge Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current absorbent pad containment solutions are bulky, non-adjustable, and ineffective in preventing liquid from flowing off the pad and onto the floor, creating a visually unappealing and difficult-to-use setup.
Innovation Solution
A frame with adjustable side members and corner attachment system that holds the absorbent pad edges upward, forming a containment barrier with sloped surfaces to prevent liquid from escaping, featuring a hinged connector and anti-slip material for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current tub-style containment vessels are used, then liquid containment capability is provided, but the device becomes bulky and highly visible
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple side members connected by corner members, creating a segmented structure that provides containment capability while reducing overall bulk compared to tub-style vessels. Each side member acts as an independent segment that collectively forms the containment boundary.
2Reliability
If mechanical holding mechanisms are used to secure the pad, then the pad is held in place, but the device becomes difficult to assemble and use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical holding mechanisms with a simpler corner member system that uses friction and geometric constraint to retain the pad. The corner members naturally guide and hold the pad edges without requiring additional clips, latches, or fastening mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size frames are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the device cannot accommodate various absorbent pad sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The side members are designed to be adjustable in length, transforming the frame from a static fixed-size structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. This allows the same frame design to accommodate various pad sizes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.
4Reliability
If the pad edges are held upward, then liquid containment is improved, but the absorbent area may become uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The frame provides different support conditions at different locations: the corner members locally elevate the pad edges to create containment barriers, while the central absorbent area remains flat and level. This localized differentiation of pad position optimizes both containment and absorbency functions.
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
The frame effectively contains liquids on the absorbent pad, preventing overflow and accommodating various pad sizes, while maintaining a flat absorbent area and preventing slippage, thus enhancing usability and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a sloped surface on each of the side members sloping upward from the open central region
Implementation Method 2
an anti-slip material on a bottom surface of the corner members and/or the side members to prevent slippage or sliding of the frame on a surface
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent pad holder and containment system includes a frame that can be adjustable in length on all sides to accommodate a varying range of absorbent pad dimensions. The frame design allows the absorbent area of the pad to remain flat while the ramped perimeter design of the frame and the corner attachment system holds the outer edge of the absorbent pad into an upward position. This creates a containment barrier for liquid that would normally flow over the edge of the pad and onto the floor surface. The perimeter design of the liner keeps the pad centered and provides flow of all liquid landing on the pad within the absorbent area of the pad.