Collapsible Lotion Applicator Handle With Locking Head Pad Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lotion, soap, or cream applicators are difficult to use on the back due to elongated handles that are hard to store and lack a removable, washable, and reusable lotion-bearing pad, and the detachment mechanism often damages the sponge.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible two-piece handle with a locking stop and a rotatable head piece equipped with a biasing mechanism and a hook-and-loop attachment system for the lotion-bearing pad, allowing easy removal and reattachment for cleaning or replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If an elongated handle is used to reach the back, then the application capability is improved, but the storage convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into two separate segments (first handle piece and second handle piece) that can be joined together to form a long handle for application, or separated for compact storage. This segmentation allows the handle to transition between extended and collapsed states, resolving the contradiction between length for reachability and compactness for storage.
2Ease of operation
If the handle is made collapsible for compact storage, then the storage convenience is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A locking stop mechanism is provided that automatically engages when the handle segments are extended to their full length, preemptively preventing any unintended collapsing or movement during use. This preliminary locking action ensures structural stability is maintained during application while allowing collapsibility for storage.
3Device complexity
If a fixed lotion-bearing pad is used, then the device simplicity is improved, but the cleanability and reusability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lotion-bearing pad is extracted from being a permanently fixed component and made removable from the applicator head. This allows the pad to be easily detached for cleaning or replacement, while still providing a simple attachment mechanism. The pad can be removed, washed, and reattached, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and cleanability.
4Strength
If a strong detachment mechanism is used to secure the pad, then the pad security is improved, but the sponge damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism uses localized hook-and-loop fastening elements distributed across the interface between the pad and head. This provides secure attachment through multiple small contact points rather than a single strong mechanical connection, reducing stress concentration on the sponge material while maintaining pad security during use.
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 design enables easy application of lotion or cream on the back while allowing for compact storage and easy cleaning or replacement of the pad, preventing handle collapse and ensuring durable usage.
Implementation Method 1
the appliance head that is partly rotatably mounted with respect to the elongated handle and which has a biasing mechanism, such as a spring or other element, which returns the head to a predetermined angular position
Data Source
AI summary
The appliance includes a two-piece elongated handle with first and second handle pieces rotatably hinged via a locking stop which locks the handle upon full extension. A head piece rotatably mounted on the second handle piece with a coupling rotatably linking the head to the handle. The head piece is biased to a set position with a spring or torsion loadable stem such that upon rotation, the head returns to the set position. The front face of the planar plate has spaced hook ended pins upon which is releaseably mounted a removable cream bearing pad. The bearing pad includes a sponge pad for the lotion, soap or cream and a thin interfacing cloth attached to the rear of the bearing pad. The interfacing cloth has a multiplicity of loops which cooperate with the hooked pins for removable attachment of the bearing pad on the head piece.