Ergonomic Flexible Brush Structure for Hard-to-Reach Surface Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional brushes used in painting and cosmetic applications lack flexibility and adjustability, leading to ergonomic issues, difficulty in reaching hard-to-reach surfaces, and increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders due to non-ergonomic postures.

Innovation Solution

Ergonomic, flexible, and adjustable brushes with an external flexible section and internal elongated bendable member, allowing the functional section to be positioned at various angles and twisted positions through a strong adhesive connection, enabling safe and efficient use on different surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handle and head section are positioned in a rigid, aligned configuration, then the brush structure is simple and stable, but the worker cannot reach corners and hard-to-reach surfaces without using ladders or scaffolds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to reach hard-to-reach surfacesVSAvoidbrush structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connection between the handle and head section flexible rather than rigid. The handle can be bent and positioned at various angles to reach corners and hard-to-reach surfaces, transforming the static brush into a dynamic tool that adapts to different working positions and surface geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the handle and head section are positioned in a rigid, parallel configuration, then the brush maintains structural stability, but the worker must assume stressful postures that strain the body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic working positionVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible handle allows the worker to position the brush at ergonomic angles while maintaining structural integrity. The handle can dynamically adjust to comfortable working positions, reducing strain on the worker's body while the ferrule connection ensures the brush remains reliable and structurally sound during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible section is added to the brush to improve ergonomics and reachability, then the worker can access hard-to-reach areas safely, but the brush structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and angle adjustmentVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements this principle by incorporating a flexible section within the handle that allows bending and angle adjustment without requiring multiple separate components. This flexible element enables the handle to adapt to various positions and surfaces while maintaining a relatively simple overall brush structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP4578336A1Ergonomic flexible and adjustable brushes
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 GUZMÁN-LUGO EULOGIO A
  • EP4578336A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4578336A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4578336A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Ergonomic and flexible brushes for use in conventional processes such as commercial, residential, industrial, and artistic painting processes, as well as for cleaning and cosmetic applications, are disclosed. The functional section of the brush is connected to a flexible structure having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the flexible structure is strongly connected to the functional section of the brush and the proximal section is connected to a handle or, in the alternative, to a second functional section using preferably metal epoxy such as steel epoxy. The functional section of the brush may be positioned and repositioned in predetermined angled and/or twisted positions by simply bending the flexible structure of the brush.