Disposable Foldable Dustpan for Vertical and Hygienic Debris Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dustpans are unsanitary, inefficient in collecting debris, especially on vertical surfaces, and lack adaptability for various household tasks.
Innovation Solution
A disposable, planar debris collection device stored in a rolled form with adhesive strips and perforated seams, allowing it to be dispensed in various lengths and configured to collect debris from both horizontal and vertical surfaces by folding into a cavity and securing to walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional dustpan is used for debris collection, then debris can be collected from horizontal surfaces, but the dustpan becomes unsanitary and cannot be used on kitchen countertops or other hygienic surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable dustpan made from biodegradable materials that is used once and then discarded. This eliminates the sanitation problem entirely, as each new dustpan is clean and hygienic for use on kitchen countertops and other surfaces where sanitation is critical. The disposable nature ensures no cross-contamination between uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The dustpan transitions from a stored rolled state to a deployed functional state through changes in its physical configuration. The biodegradable material allows the dustpan to be manufactured in a compact rolled form for storage and distribution, then expanded to its functional shape when needed, optimizing both storage efficiency and operational performance.
2Productivity
If a conventional dustpan with a tapered front edge is used, then the cavity can hold debris, but debris still propagates under the front edge and is not collected
Solution Approach 1:
The dustpan features a curved front edge design that replaces the conventional straight or tapered edge. This curvature creates a rounded leading surface that guides debris smoothly into the collection cavity rather than forcing it underneath, significantly improving debris containment and collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The dustpan incorporates a three-dimensional scooping structure with raised edges and a curved profile that creates multiple containment barriers. This dimensional approach prevents debris from escaping under the front edge by creating a physical barrier that redirects debris into the collection area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional dustpan is used, then it can collect debris from floors, but it cannot adapt to collect debris from vertical surfaces during drilling or other household tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The dustpan is designed with flexible, foldable sides that can be dynamically adjusted between a flat configuration for horizontal surface collection and a cupped configuration for vertical surface collection. This dynamic adaptability allows the same simple structure to effectively collect debris from both floor surfaces and vertical walls during drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dustpan is designed as a multi-functional tool that can collect debris from multiple surface orientations (horizontal floors and vertical walls) using the same basic structure. By incorporating adjustable sides and a flexible design, it serves universal cleaning needs without requiring separate specialized tools for different surfaces.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a disposable dustpan is used, then sanitation and adaptability are improved, but the device must be stored in a rolled form requiring dispensing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dustpans are nested within each other in a compact rolled configuration, similar to nested dolls. This allows a stack of disposable dustpans to be stored efficiently in a small container, minimizing storage space requirements while maintaining sanitation by keeping each dustpan sealed and unused until dispensed.
Solution Approach 2:
The dustpans are pre-packaged in a rolled, compact form with integrated adhesive strips and perforations that facilitate easy dispensing and activation. This preliminary preparation allows users to simply pull and unfold the dustpan without requiring complex assembly or tools, reducing the complexity of the dispensing system while maintaining sanitation.
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
Ensures effective and hygienic debris collection from multiple surfaces, preventing debris from escaping under the edge and allowing use on vertical surfaces, enhancing cleaning efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a first adhesive strip and a second adhesive strip on the lower surface of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable debris collection apparatus that is operable to collect debris from either a horizontal surface or a vertical surface. The disposable debris collection apparatus further includes a body stored in a first position within a container. The body is planar in manner and operable to be dispensed in portions from said container to be folded into at least a first section and a second section so as to collect debris. The body further includes a first and second adhesive strip proximate the front edge of the body wherein the first and second adhesive strip are parallel and extend the entire longitudinal length of the body. A plurality of longitudinal seams are formed on said body proximate a rear edge wherein the plurality of longitudinal seams are operable to facilitate the configuring of said body into a second position so as to collect debris.