Dual-Basin Implement Washing Apparatus for One-Handed Scrubbing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for washing implements, such as utensils and tools, require the use of two hands and separate scrubbing tools, leading to complexity and inefficiency, especially when using a basin for soaking.

Innovation Solution

A portable, modular implement washing apparatus with integrated basins for soaking and scrubbing, featuring a first basin for liquid containment and a second basin with inwardly directed bristles for scrubbing, allowing for one-handed operation and adaptable to fit various sink configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate basin and scrubbing tool are used, then soaking function is provided, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing operationVSAvoidwashing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the soaking basin and scrubbing tool into a single integrated washing device. The scrubbing tool is positioned within or adjacent to the basin, allowing both soaking and scrubbing functions to be performed in one unified structure rather than as separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated washing device performs multiple washing functions (soaking, scrubbing, rinsing) within a single apparatus. The device can handle different washing stages without requiring separate tools or basins, making it a multi-functional washing station.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If two hands are used for washing, then scrubbing effectiveness is maintained, but productivity and efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidone-handed operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The scrubbing tool is designed to be self-contained within the basin structure, with scrubbing surfaces that can be activated by simply placing the implement against them. The bristles or abrasive surfaces are fixed to the basin walls, allowing automatic scrubbing action when the implement is moved against them, reducing the need for manual scrubbing effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of substance

If scrubbing tool is set aside from basin, then tool independence is maintained, but water usage and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater usageVSAvoidwashing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scrubbing tool is integrated within the basin structure rather than being a separate component. The scrubbing surfaces are positioned so that water in the basin directly contacts both the soaking implement and the scrubbing surfaces, eliminating the need for separate water sources or additional rinsing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9867521B2Implement washing apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2018.01.16 VICTOR HA ALBRIGHT

AI summary

An implement washing apparatus is disclosed. A portable, rigid housing defines at least a first basin and a second basin. The first basin has an open top and closed side walls and bottom for containing liquid to soak the implement. The second basin has side walls that include a plurality of bristles in an arrangement directed generally inwardly to a center of the second basin to scrub the implement.