Boot scrubber device integrated in floor and related methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear cleaning solutions, such as door mats and automated boot scrubbers, suffer from durability issues, maintenance complexity, and are not aesthetically pleasing or easily deployable in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A boot scrubber device integrated into the floor, featuring a housing assembly with a pivotable plate, a belt brush assembly driven by a motor, and a waste bin for debris collection, activated by a pressure sensor, which is manufactured using COTS components for low maintenance and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated boot scrubbers are used, then debris removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a housing assembly with a belt brush assembly for cleaning, a separate waste bin for debris collection, and a simple pressure-activated control system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective debris removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste bin is designed to be easily removable and emptyable by the user without requiring complex disassembly or specialized maintenance procedures. The pressure-activated plate automatically engages the brush assembly, eliminating the need for complex control systems while maintaining automated functionality.
2Shape
If integrated floor design is used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but ease of installation and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with a universal installation approach that can be adapted to various floor types and configurations. The housing assembly can be integrated into existing floors or installed as a standalone unit, allowing the same basic design to serve multiple installation scenarios while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of operation
If pressure sensor activation is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor system is designed to be passively activated by user weight alone, without requiring additional controls, buttons, or complex electronic interfaces. The simple pressure-activated mechanism provides automatic operation while minimizing the complexity of the control system.
Data Source
AI summary
A boot scrubber device is within a floor. The boot scrubber device may include a housing assembly having a frame to be received by the floor and defining an opening, and a plate pivotably coupled to the frame and received within the opening. The plate may define a brush opening. The boot scrubber device may include a belt brush assembly carried by the housing assembly and aligned with the brush opening. The belt brush assembly may include a belt base, and laterally arranged brushes carried by the belt base. The boot scrubber device may also include a motor carried by the housing assembly and configured to drive the belt brush assembly, and a controller carried by the housing assembly and configured to activate the motor when a user steps on the plate.