Surface mounted back scrubber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing back cleaning devices, such as back brushes and wall-mounted scrubbers, are ineffective in reaching all areas of the back and prone to detachment during use, failing to provide adequate cleaning solutions.
Innovation Solution
A surface-mounted back scrubber with square-shaped suction modules and a semi-sticky silicone composition, featuring polyurethane gel layers, provides enhanced adhesion to shower or bathtub surfaces, ensuring stability during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wall mounted scrubbers are used, then back cleaning is enabled, but they detach during cleaning activity
Solution Approach 1:
The suction base is divided into multiple suction cups arranged in an array, with each cup containing a suction element. This segmentation allows distributed attachment force across multiple points, preventing detachment while maintaining stability during cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses suction cups that create vacuum pressure against the wall surface to maintain attachment. The suction elements draw air out from beneath the suction base, creating negative pressure that holds the device firmly in place during cleaning activity.
2Ease of operation
If manual back brushes are used, then back cleaning is attempted, but they cannot reach all areas of the back
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning elements extend beyond the suction base in multiple directions, creating a three-dimensional cleaning array. This dimensional extension allows the cleaning surfaces to reach various areas of the back including hard-to-reach spots, while the suction base maintains wall attachment.
3Reliability
If suction elements are added to the base, then attachment to shower surfaces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cups and cleaning elements are integrated into a single unit where the cleaning elements are attached to or extend from the suction base. This merging combines attachment and cleaning functions into one device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both 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 device effectively maintains its position on wet surfaces, allowing thorough back cleaning without slippage, and is made from eco-friendly materials with antimicrobial additives for enhanced hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
Each suction module and the outer rim provide a suction force on the surface of a shower wall or bathtub surface when the back scrubber is positioned against these surfaces to attach and maintain it on the surfaces
Implementation Method 2
The polyurethane silicon gel layers on the lip of each suction module and on the outer rim provide additional adhesion to attach to and maintain the back scrubber on the surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A surface mounted back scrubber has a plurality of cleaning elements, e.g. loofah or sponge members, attached to a flat supporting base having a top surface, an under surface, and an outer rim extending outwardly from and completely circumscribes the base. A plurality of square shaped suction modules are positioned on the under surface of the base. Each of the suction modules has a pedestal member extending from a lip which surrounds and extends outward from the pedestal member. The outer rim and the lip of each module has a layer of polyurethane silicone gel. Each suction module and the outer rim provide a suction force on the surface of a shower wall or bathtub surface when the back scrubber is positioned against these surfaces to attach and maintain it on the surfaces, without slippage.