Fluid Directing Grooming Glove for Bidirectional Vacuum and Wash Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet grooming devices fail to effectively direct fluid flow in both directions, limiting their ability to simultaneously vacuum and wash pets while allowing normal stroking, as they often incorporate additional functionality on the palm side that hinders natural pet grooming.
Innovation Solution
A glove-based pet grooming device with a fluid diverter and finger tubes that allow for fluid communication between a vacuum or water source and the user's hand, enabling simultaneous suction or water distribution during pet grooming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional functionality is incorporated on the palm side of grooming gloves, then vacuuming and washing capabilities are added, but the user's ability to stroke the pet normally is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The grooming glove is segmented into distinct functional zones: the dorsal side (back of hand) contains the fluid delivery system with tubes and apertures for vacuuming and washing, while the ventral side (palm) remains clear and unobstructed for natural stroking motions. This spatial segmentation allows each side to perform its designated function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional elements (tubes, apertures, fluid diverter) are positioned on the dorsal side of the glove, utilizing the three-dimensional space of the hand rather than adding bulk to the palm surface. This dimensional arrangement preserves the flat, smooth contact surface needed for stroking while incorporating vacuum and washing capabilities on the opposite side.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluid flow is directed only in one direction, then device structure is simplified, but the ability to simultaneously vacuum and wash pets is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The glove incorporates a fluid diverter with multiple apertures that can handle both suction (vacuuming) and fluid delivery (washing) through the same basic structure. The system uses a single feed hose connected to either a vacuum source or water supply, allowing the same device to perform multiple functions by simply changing the fluid source.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid diverter acts as an intermediary component that distributes fluid flow to multiple finger tubes. This mediator structure enables the system to switch between vacuuming and washing modes by directing fluid through the same diverter network, simplifying the overall design while maintaining multi-functionality.
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
Enables efficient pet grooming by allowing fluid flow in both directions, allowing for effective fur removal and pet washing while maintaining natural stroking motion, improving user convenience and pet tranquility.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid diverter is coupled to the glove body and has a hose aperture and a plurality of tube apertures. Each tube aperture is in fluid communication with the hose aperture.
Implementation Method 2
The hose connector is configured to attach to, and be in fluid communication with, a vacuum hose
Implementation Method 3
The hose connector is configured to attach to, and be in fluid communication with, a vacuum hose or a water hose
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid directing grooming glove apparatus for vacuuming and washing pets includes a glove body having a glove opening configured to receive a user's hand. A fluid diverter is coupled to the glove body and has a hose aperture and a plurality of tube apertures. Each tube aperture is in fluid communication with the hose aperture. A plurality of finger tubes is coupled to the glove body and attached to, and in fluid communication with, the tube apertures of the fluid diverter. A feed hose is coupled to the fluid diverter. The feed hose has a hose distal end attached to, and in fluid communication with, the hose aperture and a hose connector coupled to a hose proximal end. The hose connector attaches to a vacuum hose or a water hose to either suck air or spray water through the finger tubes.