Finger wiper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Finger-input operated devices require clean and dry fingers for proper operation, but existing solutions for drying and cleaning fingers are inadequate, particularly for touch-sensitive control panels and fingerprint identification purposes.

Innovation Solution

A finger wiping device comprising a base portion and a wiping portion with flexible wiping elements made of TPR or silicone rubber, configured with hydrophobic properties, designed to be integral or detachable, and featuring a gutter-like arrangement for liquid drainage, suitable for attachment to various devices and surfaces, including touch screens and bath boards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional drying and absorbing items are used, then fingers can be dried, but the drying effect is inadequate for touch-sensitive control panels and fingerprint identification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying effectivenessVSAvoidoperational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wiping element features a hydrophobic outer surface that selectively repels water while allowing oil and sweat to be absorbed, creating different functional zones on the same surface. This local quality differentiation enables the single element to perform multiple drying functions effectively for touch-sensitive devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The wiping element combines hydrophobic materials (such as PTFE or silicone coatings) with absorbent base materials, creating a composite structure that leverages both properties. This composite approach achieves superior drying effectiveness compared to conventional single-material solutions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the wiping element has hydrophobic properties, then liquid drainage is improved, but the complexity of manufacturing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid drainage efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrophobic property is achieved by modifying the surface energy parameter of the wiping element through coating or material selection, rather than changing the bulk structure. This parameter change approach maintains simple manufacturing while achieving effective liquid drainage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The wiping element utilizes a thin flexible structure with hydrophobic surface treatment, allowing liquid to drain through the flexible material while maintaining structural simplicity. The thin film design reduces manufacturing complexity compared to rigid structured solutions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Effectively dries fingertips, allowing for successful operation of touch-sensitive devices and enhancing fingerprint identification efficiency by providing a convenient and hygienic means to wipe fingers, reducing the risk of damage to screens and improving user experience.

Implementation Method 1

configured with hydrophobic properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS11534035B2Finger wiper

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 ALTMAN CHEN

AI summary

A finger wiping device having a base portion and a wiping portion, the wiping portion extending over at least a portion of the base portion and configured with a plurality of flexible wiping elements extending from a top face of the base portion, the wiping elements disposed in close proximity to one another and disposed along at least a finger wiping path.