Fluid-Dispensing Cleaning Mitt With Replaceable Sanitary Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-worn cleaning devices lack convenience and portability, especially in unsanitary or inaccessible environments, as they often require gripping of cloths or sponges and do not efficiently manage fluid distribution for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A portable cleaning system comprising a mitt with a layered structure, a pump subassembly, and disposable wettable pads, where the mitt integrates a fluid reservoir and pump for controlled fluid dispensing onto the pads, allowing for convenient and sanitary cleaning without the need to hold a separate cloth or sponge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hand-worn cleaning device integrates a fluid reservoir and pump mechanism, then convenience and portability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism is integrated within the mitt structure, with the fluid reservoir nested inside the mitt body and the pump components positioned within the finger compartments. This nesting approach allows the complex system to be contained within a compact, hand-worn form factor while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mitt serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective glove, a fluid reservoir container, a pump housing, and a cleaning applicator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system while improving convenience.
2Ease of operation
If a pump subassembly is integrated into the mitt, then fluid distribution control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump subassembly is designed as a separate, modular unit that can be manufactured independently and then integrated into the mitt. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of the pump components using appropriate techniques while keeping the overall assembly process manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid distribution manifold acts as an intermediary component between the reservoir and the dispensing points on the mitt face. This mediator simplifies the fluid routing by providing a centralized distribution point, reducing the complexity of integrating multiple fluid pathways directly into the mitt structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable pads are used with the mitt system, then hygiene and cleanliness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning pads are designed as disposable, single-use components that are attached to the mitt face, used once or a few times, and then discarded. This approach maintains high hygiene standards without requiring complex cleaning or sterilization mechanisms for the mitt itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The pads are pre-moistened with cleaning solution during manufacturing and sealed in protective packaging. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to manually apply or prepare the cleaning solution, simplifying the user interface while maintaining sanitation.
4Productivity
If the mitt includes a fluid reservoir and pump, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid reservoir is constructed using flexible, thin-walled materials that can be collapsed as fluid is dispensed. This reduces the weight and volume of the reservoir during use and allows the mitt to maintain a compact, portable form factor while still containing an adequate supply of cleaning fluid.
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 system provides a compact, ergonomic, and hygienic means of personal cleaning, enabling efficient fluid distribution and pad replacement, suitable for professional and recreational use, enhancing convenience and portability in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
The pump subassembly, which is devised to momentarily capture a metered amount of fluid from the reservoir, is located in an unobtrusive location
Implementation Method 2
A front panel is bonded to the pouch so that a wettable pad may be mounted to the face of the mitt
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a cleaning system in the form of a mitt having cleaning pads attached by reversible fastening means so that pads may be electively and consecutively attached, removed, or replaced. Furthermore, the invention provides a means for introducing, retaining, dispensing, and distributing a fluid, such as water or a liquid cleaning product, so that a removable pad may be irrigated with a regulated dose of fluid prior to use. The invention also describes a cooperative enclosure that can store a plurality of cleaning pads. Features of the compatible enclosure serve to physically guide the body of the mitt into alignment with a replacement pad.