Open Cell Foam Sanitizing Holder for Writing Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for disinfecting writing implements, such as pens and markers, are either ineffective in preventing cross-contamination or damage the writing instruments due to ink evaporation, heat from ultraviolet light, or require active user manipulation, which is inefficient and often skipped in practice.
Innovation Solution
A system using a container filled with open cell foam that absorbs a disinfectant, allowing writing implements to be inserted and coated without submersion, ensuring prolonged exposure to a non-alcohol, non-toxic disinfectant like silver di-hydrogen citrate, which sanitizes and cleans the instruments passively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If writing implements are placed in liquid disinfectant for submersion, then thorough sanitization is achieved, but the ink becomes soluble and runs, destroying the writing implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses open cell foam as a porous material to hold and dispense disinfectant. The foam's porous structure allows it to retain disinfectant while providing surface contact for sanitization without requiring submersion, thereby preventing ink running while achieving thorough sanitization of writing implements.
Solution Approach 2:
The open cell foam acts as an intermediary between the disinfectant and the writing implement. Instead of direct liquid contact, the foam mediates the sanitization process by holding the disinfectant in its porous structure and providing controlled surface contact, preventing harmful ink dissolution while maintaining sanitization effectiveness.
2Reliability
If ultraviolet light is used for disinfection, then sanitization is achieved, but heat and light energy cause ink to expand, leak, and alcohol carrier to evaporate, ruining the writing implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultraviolet light-based disinfection system with a chemical disinfectant system using open cell foam. This substitution eliminates the harmful thermal and radiant energy effects of UV light that cause ink expansion and alcohol evaporation, while achieving comparable sanitization through chemical action at lower temperatures.
3Reliability
If a tube system requiring active user manipulation is used, then disinfection can be achieved, but considerable effort and time are required, causing the process to be skipped in practice
Solution Approach 1:
The open cell foam container system provides passive, self-service disinfection. Writing implements are simply placed into the foam-containing container, and the foam automatically contacts and sanitizes the implements without requiring active user manipulation or effort. This eliminates the complexity of tube systems and makes the process convenient enough for consistent use.
4Productivity
If writing implements are quickly passed through disinfectant tubes, then some sanitization occurs, but contact time is insufficient to sanitize crevasses that harbor contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The open cell foam's porous structure provides extensive surface area and crevices that slowly dispense disinfectant. When writing implements are inserted into the foam, the disinfectant gradually contacts all surfaces including crevasses and contours over an extended period, ensuring complete sanitization without requiring rapid passage through tubes.
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 system effectively sanitizes writing implements by maintaining contact with a disinfectant for extended periods, preventing cross-contamination and preserving the instruments, while being easy to use and maintain, ensuring they remain clean and functional.
Implementation Method 1
A volume of a liquid disinfectant is poured into the container. The liquid disinfectant is at least partially absorbed by the body of open cell foam.
Implementation Method 2
The body of open cell foam has a plurality of hollow shafts formed therein. The liquid disinfectant is at least partially absorbed by the body of open cell foam.
Implementation Method 3
The body of open cell foam has a plurality of hollow shafts formed therein for holding writing implements. The hollow shafts in the body of open cell foam are accessible through the open top of the container.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for holding and sanitizing handheld implements. The system uses a container filled with a body of open cell foam. The body of the open cell foam has hollow shafts formed therein for holding the implements. The hollow shafts in the body of open cell foam are accessible through the open top of the container. A volume of a liquid disinfectant is poured into the container. The liquid disinfectant is at least partially absorbed by the body of open cell foam. This moistens the walls of the hollow shafts with disinfectant. As handheld implement is inserted into a hollow shaft, it is physically wiped and coated with the liquid disinfectant without being submerged in liquid disinfectant. When the implement is drawn out of the tubular shaft, it is clean, sanitized and ready to use without the need to dry.