Disposable Cleaning Implement Assembly to Reduce Germ Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toilet cleaning tools pose health hazards due to the transmission of infectious germs and potential risks from liquid disinfectants and deodorizers, as they require physical scrubbing and drying, which can spread germs and expose users to hazardous chemicals.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning assembly with an elongate member and a connector system that allows for the secure attachment of disposable cleaning implements, featuring a gripping mechanism and release mechanism, ensuring easy replacement and preventing rotation, thereby reducing germ transmission and minimizing contact with hazardous chemicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reusable toilet brush is used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but germ transmission and health hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable cleaning implements (pads, wipes, or brushes) that are used once and then discarded. Each disposable implement is attached to the elongate member, used to clean the toilet bowl, and then removed and discarded in a trash receptacle. This eliminates the need to rinse or dry the cleaning tool, preventing germ transmission that occurs with reusable brushes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that the disposable cleaning implement is discarded after a single use in a trash receptacle. The elongate member with connector system is recovered and reused by attaching a fresh disposable implement. This separation allows the cleaning function to be discarded while the handling tool is recovered and reused.
2Reliability
If liquid disinfectants and deodorizers are used during cleaning, then sanitation is improved, but health hazards from chemical exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the liquid disinfectant and deodorizer functions from the reusable cleaning tool and places them into disposable cleaning implements. These chemicals are applied to the disposable pad or wipe, which then contacts the toilet surfaces. This extraction eliminates the hazard of chemicals remaining on a reusable tool that could expose users to health risks during storage or subsequent uses.
Solution Approach 2:
By applying sanitizing chemicals to disposable implements rather than reusable tools, the system maintains sanitation effectiveness while eliminating chemical exposure hazards. The disposable nature ensures that chemicals are contained on the implement used and do not remain on tools that could later contact users.
3Reliability
If a connector system with resilient fingers is used to attach disposable implements, then attachment security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded resilient fingers that automatically engage with the disposable implement's connector features during attachment. The resilient fingers flex to accommodate the implement and then lock into place without requiring additional fastening actions. This self-service mechanism provides secure attachment while minimizing complexity by eliminating the need for screws, clips, or manual locking mechanisms.
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 solution provides a safe and efficient cleaning tool that minimizes germ transmission and reduces health risks by using disposable cleaning implements that securely attach to the elongate member, enhancing hygiene and safety during cleaning processes.
Implementation Method 1
the gripping member including spaced apart resilient fingers, the release mechanism being actuatable by a user to move the resilient fingers of the gripping member from securing positions to releasing positions
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning assembly can be manipulated by a user to clean difficult-to-reach surfaces, such as toilet bowl surfaces. The cleaning assembly includes an elongate member, which may have a handle portion that can be grasped by a user. The elongate member has a connector system to which a disposable cleaning implement can be releasably coupled. The disposable cleaning implement can be coupled to the connector system, used to clean one or more surfaces, and then decoupled from the connector system and replaced with another disposable cleaning implement.