Compressible Applicator Housing Ruptures Container to Release Cleaning Solution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning solution dispensers often result in skin contact, leading to irritation due to the need for consumers to use towels or sponges that can spread the solution, making it difficult to apply cleaning products without hand exposure.

Innovation Solution

A product applicator assembly comprising a handle, an absorbent applicator, and a compressible housing with a sealed product container that ruptures to release the cleaning solution onto the applicator, minimizing hand contact through a non-absorbent handle and a porous applicator for surface application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If consumers use towels or sponges to distribute cleaning solution, then the cleaning solution can be applied to surfaces, but the cleaning solution contacts the consumer's hands causing skin irritation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication of cleaning solutionVSAvoidskin irritation from cleaning solution contact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary applicator device that transfers cleaning solution from the container to the surface without requiring hand contact. The applicator acts as a mediator between the cleaning solution and the consumer's hands, eliminating direct contact while maintaining the cleaning function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator is nested within the dispenser container, with the container housing the applicator mechanism. This nested structure allows the applicator to be contained and protected within the dispenser, enabling automated or controlled dispensing without hand contact with the cleaning solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If pre-soaked wipes or sponges are used, then cleaning solution is already applied to the applicator, but the cleaning solution still contacts the consumer's hands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepre-applied cleaning solutionVSAvoidskin contact with cleaning solution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser container automatically saturates the applicator with cleaning solution through its own internal mechanism, eliminating the need for manual soaking. The system serves itself by containing the cleaning solution and automatically transferring it to the applicator, reducing hand contact during the soaking process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a non-compressible container is used, then the structure is simple and rigid, but the product cannot be released through compression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer structureVSAvoidproduct release mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static, non-compressible container to a dynamic compressible container that changes volume and pressure in response to user compression. This dynamic structure allows the container to be compressed, releasing the cleaning solution onto the applicator through pressure-driven flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Quantity of substance

If the handle absorbs the cleaning solution, then the product can be contained, but the handle becomes saturated and may transfer product to hands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct containmentVSAvoidproduct transfer to hands

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the device: the applicator portion is made absorbent to hold cleaning solution, while the handle is made non-absorbent to prevent saturation and product transfer to hands. This local differentiation of material qualities optimizes each component's function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Effectively applies cleaning solutions to surfaces while reducing the likelihood of skin contact, enhancing user safety by containing the product within the applicator and handle, preventing direct hand exposure.

Implementation Method 1

The housing is at least partially compressible. At least a portion of the housing causes the product container to rupture and to release at least a portion of the liquid product into the absorbent portion of the housing.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the housing defines a hollow interior bounded at least in part by the absorbent portion... release at least a portion of the liquid product into the absorbent portion of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11571716B2Product applicator assembly

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 ENERGIZER GRP LTD

AI summary

A product applicator assembly includes a handle, an applicator, and a product dispensing assembly. The product dispensing assembly is disposed at least in part within the handle and stores a liquid product within a product container. A puncturing device within the product dispensing assembly has a base and a puncture element extending from the base toward the product container. The puncturing device further includes a mating member extending from the base and secured to the product container. The puncture element facilitates rupturing the product container to release a portion of the liquid product into the applicator.