Flexible Rim Rinse Pitcher with Shower Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rinse pitchers for children's hair rinsing during bath time fail to effectively prevent water from flowing down the forehead, and lack a convenient mechanism for providing a shower-like flow.
Innovation Solution
A rinse pitcher with a rigid main container body and a flexible lip element made of thermoplastic elastomer, which conforms to the child's forehead to create a seal and includes apertures for a shower-like water flow, featuring a combination of injection molding and over molding for manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid rim structure is used in the rinse pitcher, then the structural strength and durability are improved, but the ability to conform to the child's forehead shape is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rim is segmented into multiple portions (first portion, second portion, third portion, fourth portion) with different properties. The first and fourth portions are made of flexible material to conform to the forehead, while the second and third portions maintain rigid structure for strength. This segmentation allows each portion to serve its specific function while collectively forming a complete rim structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the rim have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The first portion (forehead contact area) uses flexible material for adaptability, while the second portion (pouring area) uses rigid material for structural integrity. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between overall strength and localized conformability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire rim is made of flexible material to conform to the forehead, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural strength and pouring control are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rim is divided into functional segments where only the necessary portions (first and fourth portions for forehead contact) are made of flexible material, while other portions (second and third portions for pouring) maintain rigid structure. This selective segmentation prevents the entire rim from being overly flexible while still achieving the required conformability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim exhibits local quality variation with flexible material concentrated at the forehead-contacting portions and rigid material at the pouring portions. This localized material differentiation ensures that flexibility is applied only where needed for conformability, while structural strength is maintained where needed for pouring control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate shower spout device is added to provide shower-like flow, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The shower spout functionality is merged with the rinse pitcher by integrating a shower spout element directly into the rim structure. The shower spout element includes apertures formed as part of the rim's second portion, allowing water to flow through in a shower-like pattern. This integration eliminates the need for a separate shower spout device while providing the desired functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a sealing element against the forehead and as a shower spout through its apertures. The second portion of the rim acts as both a structural element and a shower delivery mechanism, allowing the same component to perform multiple functions and reducing overall device complexity.
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 effectively prevents water from flowing down the forehead and provides a comfortable, efficient rinsing experience with a shower-like flow, enhancing the usability and fun of the rinsing process.
Implementation Method 1
The lip element is made of a relatively soft material which is sufficiently flexible such that at least a first portion of the rim can conform to the shape of the child's forehead
Data Source
AI summary
A combination rinse pitcher, particularly for rinsing shampoo from the head of a child during “bath time.” A main container body is made of relatively rigid material, and has a bottom and a plurality of main body sidewalls. A lip element is attached to the main container body and defines a rim of the rinse pitcher. The lip element is made of a relatively soft material which is sufficiently flexible such that at least a first portion of the rim can conform to the shape of the child's forehead. The first portion of the rim can be pressed against the child's forehead forming a seal to prevent poured water from flowing down the forehead of the child. A second one of the lip element sidewalls has apertures through which water can be poured to provide a shower-like flow.