Cleaning utensil
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning tools require frequent dispensing of cleaning fluid from a separate storage bottle, which can be inefficient and inconvenient during cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning utensil featuring a flexible, liquid-permeable casing with two plate-shaped foam bodies connected at opposite ends and a cleaning fluid container with an outlet opening between the foam bodies, allowing for direct pressure application to release soap without damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cleaning fluid is dispensed from a separate storage bottle during each cleaning process, then the cleaning fluid can be stored separately, but the cleaning process becomes inefficient and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the cleaning fluid storage function with the cleaning utensil itself by integrating a cleaning fluid container between the foam bodies. This integration eliminates the need for a separate storage bottle and allows the user to access cleaning fluid directly from the utensil during the cleaning process, thereby improving both productivity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning fluid container is nested between the two foam bodies within the casing structure. This nested arrangement allows the storage container to be housed inside the overall utensil assembly without increasing the external dimensions significantly, enabling convenient access to cleaning fluid while maintaining a compact utensil design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the foam bodies are connected to the casing in the region between the two ends, then the structure becomes more stable, but pressure forces cannot be directly transmitted to the cleaning fluid container
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the foam bodies and the casing is segmented into two distinct regions: the end regions where connections provide structural stability, and the intermediate region where no connections exist. This segmentation allows the foam bodies to be firmly anchored at the ends while leaving the middle section open for direct pressure application to the cleaning fluid container, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural connections are localized only at the two ends of the foam bodies, while the intermediate region maintains a different quality (no connections) to enable direct pressure transmission. This local differentiation of connection quality allows the structure to be stable where needed while remaining operable where required.
3Strength
If the plate-shaped foam bodies are connected to each other between the two ends, then the structural integrity is improved, but the user cannot directly pressurize the cleaning fluid container
Solution Approach 1:
The connection arrangement is segmented such that the foam bodies are connected to the casing (and to each other) only at the end regions, while the intermediate region remains unconnected. This segmentation preserves structural integrity at the connections while creating an open pathway for direct finger pressure application to the cleaning fluid container, enabling easy operation without compromising strength.
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 quick and efficient cleaning by allowing direct pressure application to dispense soap, reducing the need for frequent fluid dispensing and enhancing cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible, liquid-permeable casing
Implementation Method 2
enabling thermal plastic welding to the thermally weldable plastic foam bodies
Implementation Method 3
The metal fibers are advantageous in terms of their good abrasive effect (especially for scouring)
Implementation Method 4
The metal fibers are advantageous in terms of their good abrasive effect (especially for scouring) and/or germicidal effect
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning utensil. The cleaning utensil comprises a flexible, liquid-permeable casing and two identical plate-shaped foam bodies, which are arranged congruently with one another in the casing and which are connected, in particular welded, sewn, and/or glued, to one another and to the flexible casing at two opposite ends. The cleaning utensil also comprises a cleaning fluid container having a flexible wall with at least one outlet opening and which is arranged between the plate-shaped foam bodies.