Disposable Bubble Generation Pad for Pedicure Hygiene

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pedicure systems with heated, rolling water are costly to manufacture, difficult to clean, and prone to breakdown.

Innovation Solution

A disposable system comprising a permeable foam pad with a self-adhesive surface and an impermeable layer, used in conjunction with a pump unit that produces heated, ozonated air to create bubbles in the water, ensuring hygiene and cost-effectiveness by allowing for regular replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional pedicure systems with heated water are used, then the system can provide heated water function, but the system becomes costly to manufacture, hard to clean, and prone to breakdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem durabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a disposable foam pad that is inexpensive to manufacture and discard after use. The foam pad is designed to be single-use, eliminating the need for expensive, durable construction while maintaining functionality. This resolves the contradiction by sacrificing long-term durability for lower manufacturing cost and easier disposal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The foam pad is designed to be discarded after a single use, with the useful function (bubble generation) performed before disposal. This eliminates the need for cleaning and maintenance of the foam pad itself, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cleaning difficulty while maintaining system reliability through replacement rather than repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Ease of operation

If traditional pedicure systems with heated water are used, then the system can provide heated water function, but the system becomes hard to clean

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning easeVSAvoidsystem durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable foam pad eliminates cleaning requirements entirely, as the pad is discarded after single use. This resolves the contradiction by making the system easier to operate (no cleaning needed) while accepting reduced durability through replacement of the consumable pad.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into a disposable foam pad and a reusable pump unit. The foam pad handles the bubble generation function and is discarded after use, while the pump unit maintains heated water function and is cleaned and reused. This segmentation separates the cleaning requirement from the bubble generation function, making the overall system easier to operate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional pedicure systems with heated water are used, then the system can provide heated water function, but the system becomes prone to breakdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidsystem durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The foam pad is manufactured simply as a disposable component with no moving parts or complex structures. This manufacturing simplicity is achieved by using basic foam material formed into a pad shape, eliminating the need for complex assembly and reducing potential failure points while maintaining the bubble generation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The foam pad is extracted as a separate, disposable component from the main pump unit. This extraction allows the foam pad to be manufactured independently with simple processes, while the pump unit can be designed for durability and reliability. The separation eliminates the need for the foam pad to be durable, as it is replaced rather than repaired.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 cost-effective, easy-to-clean, and durable solution for creating heated, roiling water in pedicure systems, enhancing hygiene and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

gas is introduced into the pad and issues through the sidewall in the form of bubbles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBubble formation: Bubble

Implementation Method 2

apparatus adapted to produce a flow of heated air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

the one of the pair of surfaces can be a self-adhesive surface adapted to hold the disposable against the vessel surface in use

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 4

The pad is permeable to air flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 5

the pad can be a foam having about 60 pores per inch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS10512589B1Bubble generation system

Publication Date: 2019.12.24 GULFSTREAM

AI summary

Disclosed is a disposable for use with a structure having a vessel surface that defines a vessel for receiving liquid. The disposable includes a pad and a layer. The pad has a pair of surfaces spaced apart from one another by a tubular sidewall. The pad is permeable to air flow. One of the pair of surfaces is positioned, in use, against the vessel surface. The layer overlies the other of the pair of surfaces and is at least substantially impermeable to air flow. In use, gas is introduced into the pad and issues through the sidewall in the form of bubbles. The disposable is useful in association with foot spas and the like.