Disposable Applicator for Self-Adhesive Sanitary Agent Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicator systems for self-adhesive sanitary agents are cumbersome and wasteful, requiring upfront investment and complex operation, with residual inventory issues and difficulty in delivering single doses effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact applicator system with a concave void for holding a single dose of self-adhesive material, featuring a handle for easy maneuvering and a removable cover for protection, designed to adhere directly to surfaces without mechanical support, using environmentally compatible materials and a release layer for controlled adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If self-adhesive materials are delivered using mechanical dispensers, then controlled unitized doses can be delivered, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires upfront investment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable applicators that are pre-loaded with self-adhesive material and discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical dispensers while ensuring controlled dose delivery. The applicator is designed as a single-use item that is disposed of after delivering its contents, avoiding upfront investment in expensive dispensing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the self-adhesive material from complex mechanical dispensers and places it directly onto simple applicator surfaces. The material is applied in controlled amounts during manufacturing of the applicator, separating the dosing function from the application device. This allows precise dose control without requiring complex mechanical dispensing mechanisms.
2Productivity
If mechanical dispensers are used for self-adhesive materials, then multiple doses can be delivered, but residual agent inventory is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the self-adhesive material supply into individual single-dose applicators. Each applicator contains precisely the amount of material needed for one application, eliminating residual waste. Instead of one large dispenser delivering multiple doses, multiple small single-dose units are used, ensuring complete utilization of each unit's contents.
Solution Approach 2:
By using disposable single-dose applicators, the system ensures that each unit is completely used before disposal. There is no residual inventory left in the applicator after use, eliminating waste. The cheap, disposable nature of each applicator makes it economically viable to use this single-dose approach rather than requiring expensive multi-dose dispensers.
3Extent of automation
If self-adhesive materials are applied directly to surfaces, then automatic cleaning is achieved, but direct contact with un-hygienic surfaces is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the applicator as an intermediary between the user's hand and the un-hygienic surface. The applicator is packaged in protective wrapping that is removed just before application, allowing the user to handle only the outer packaging rather than touching the toilet surface directly. The applicator itself contacts the un-hygienic surface, protecting the user's hand from direct contact with contaminants.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex dispensers are used for self-adhesive agents, then controlled dosing is achieved, but operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pre-prepared disposable applicators that have been manufactured with controlled dosing already completed during production. The user simply applies the pre-dosed applicator without needing to operate any dosing mechanisms. This transfers the dosing precision requirement from the point-of-use operation to the manufacturing process, greatly simplifying user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled dosing action is performed in advance during applicator manufacturing, before the user receives the product. Each applicator is pre-loaded with the exact amount of self-adhesive material needed. This preliminary dosing action eliminates the need for complex dosing mechanisms during use, making operation simple and intuitive.
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
Facilitates easy, efficient, and residue-free delivery of self-adhesive sanitary agents, reducing waste and upfront costs by enabling direct application of single doses with minimal user effort and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
self-adhesive materials adhere to substrates such as surfaces of bathroom appliances
Implementation Method 2
a release layer for controlled adhesion
Data Source
Figure 1A~3B
Figure 4~5B
Figure 6
AI summary
An applicator (10, 100), related applicator system, and a method for delivering a self-adhesive material (130) are provided. The applicator includes an outer surface (120), and an inner surface (110) opposite the outer surface. The inner surface of the applicator defines a void (114) that is operable to receive the self-adhesive material (130). At least a portion of the inner surface releasably adhere the applicator side of the self-adhesive material where the adhesive force between the portion of the inner surface and the applicator side being less than adhesive force between the substrate and the substrate side. The applicator is used by placing the applicator in contact with a substrate, pressing the applicator against the substrate such that the self-adhesive material adheres to the substrate, and releasing the applicator from the substrate.