Folded Soap Holder Pocket That Prevents Soap Escape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soap holding devices fail to effectively retain bars of soap as they wear down, leading to soap waste due to the soap escaping through openings in the holder as it becomes soft and small.
Innovation Solution
A water-permeable soap holder with a rectangular sheet of material folded to create an internal pocket accessible through a slot, which traps the soap and allows it to be used until fully dissolved, preventing escape and providing a secure grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple porous bag is used to hold soap, then the device complexity is reduced, but the soap escapes through the opening as the soap becomes small and soft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible sheet of material that is folded and sealed to create a pocket structure. This flexible shell completely encloses the soap, preventing it from escaping while maintaining simplicity. The sheet is folded back on itself and sealed along the edges, creating a closed pocket that adapts to the soap's shape even as it softens and shrinks.
2Ease of operation
If the pocket opening is made larger to allow easy insertion of soap, then the ease of operation is improved, but the soap tends to exit through the opening during manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sheet into multiple sections that are folded and sealed together, creating a structured pocket with controlled openings. The insertion opening is formed by overlapping sections that can be easily separated for insertion but close securely once the soap is inside, preventing escape during use.
3Reliability
If the sheet material is made more secure to prevent soap escape, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single flexible sheet that is folded and sealed, creating a reliable enclosed structure. The sealing process involves simple overlapping and securing of the sheet edges, which can be easily manufactured while ensuring the soap remains securely trapped throughout use.
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 soap holder ensures all soap is used by preventing escape and providing a secure, non-slip grip throughout the soap's life, reducing waste and improving usability, especially for small or soft soap fragments.
Implementation Method 1
The bar of soap creates soapy water that permeates through the sheet of material
Data Source
AI summary
A soap holding device for holding a bar of soap. A water permeable sheet of material is provided that has a periphery defined by a first edge, a second edge, and two side edges. The sheet of material is folded to have overlapping sections so that the sheet of material proximate the first edge overlaps the sheet of material proximate the second edge. The side edges are sealed closed to define an internal pocket within the soap holder that is only accessible through an open slot. The open slot extends between the overlapping sections from the first edge and the second edge. A bar of soap can be inserted into the internal pocket by sliding the bar of soap between the overlapping sections. Once the bar of soap is inside the internal pocket, it becomes trapped.