Bottom wiper
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottom wipers lack a convenient and hygienic mechanism for securing toilet paper during use and efficiently disposing of soiled paper, often requiring manual handling and not easily foldable for storage.
Innovation Solution
A foldable bottom wiper with a handle formed of hinged sub-sections and a head with a recessed paper contact surface, utilizing releasable friction catches and a thermoplastic elastomer contact surface to secure and release toilet paper, allowing for easy folding and unfolding, and facilitating gravity-assisted disposal of soiled paper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the wiper is designed to be foldable for compact storage, then storage convenience is improved, but the mechanism for securing and releasing toilet paper becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the paper securing function with the hinge mechanism by integrating a friction catch directly into the hinge assembly. The cam surface and follower are incorporated as part of the hinge structure, eliminating the need for separate paper holding mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining compact foldability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables the foldable structure for compact storage, provides the paper securing mechanism through friction catches, and allows controlled opening and closing motions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating what would otherwise be separate complex mechanisms into a single integrated component.
2Reliability
If a friction material is used on the contact surface to secure toilet paper, then paper holding capability is improved, but the material selection and manufacturing process become more specific
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface uses a composite structure combining a rigid base material (such as plastic or metal) with an overmolded thermoplastic elastomer layer. This composite approach provides the necessary friction for reliable paper holding while maintaining manufacturability through overmolding processes, which are well-established in plastic manufacturing and do not significantly complicate production.
3Ease of operation
If the head extends at an angle on the opposing side to form a Z-shape, then ergonomic handling is improved, but the hinge mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into multiple hinged sub-sections that can be independently positioned at different angles. This segmentation allows the handle to form an ergonomic Z-shape when opened, improving grip comfort and control, while each hinge section uses a standardized friction catch mechanism that prevents excessive complexity in the overall assembly.
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
Enables convenient, hygienic, and space-efficient use and storage by securing toilet paper with the thermoplastic elastomer contact surface and allowing easy disposal of soiled paper, improving user experience and practicality.
Implementation Method 1
The contact surface is formed of a friction material. The friction material may be a thermoplastic elastomer.
Implementation Method 2
the soiled paper may be removed by facing the head generally downwards and allowing the paper to fall off under gravity
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to a bottom wiper 1. Wiper 1 comprising a wiper head 10 having a paper contact surface 11 extending from a base 12, and a handle 20 extending from the head 10. The paper contact surface 11 has a recess 13 into which toilet paper can be tucked. In use toilet paper can be placed over the contact surface and secured thereto by tucking part of the paper into the recess whereby the papers is secured to the head whilst paper on the head is wiped over part of a bottom to be cleaned with the contact surface of the head facing generally upwards, and the soiled paper being removed by facing the head generally downwards and allowing the papers to fall off under gravity.