Dual-Layer Foot Spa Liner for Hygienic Bubble Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foot spas in commercial settings face challenges in balancing massage features with hygienic practices, as existing liners do not effectively isolate the soaking solution from previous users and may not efficiently circulate medicinal components during pedicure treatments.
Innovation Solution
A liner for foot spas is designed with a dual-layer structure of plastic, featuring an imperforate outer layer and a perforated inner layer, which includes an air conduit to direct pressurized air from an air discharge apparatus into the soaking solution, creating bubbles for massage and mixing while maintaining isolation from the soaking basin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-layer liner is used to isolate the soaking solution, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to provide both isolation and air bubble massage is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is divided into two distinct layers: an outer isolating layer and an inner air-conducting layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally - the outer layer provides isolation while the inner layer with its air conduits enables bubble massage, thereby achieving dual functionality without compromising manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The liner combines two different plastic materials with complementary properties: an outer layer material optimized for isolation and an inner layer material designed for air conduction. This composite structure enables the liner to simultaneously provide both isolation and air bubble massage functions that a single material could not achieve
2Reliability
If an imperforate liner is used to maintain isolation, then hygiene is improved, but air bubble massage and solution circulation are eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The liner exhibits different permeability qualities at different locations: the outer layer remains imperforate to maintain isolation, while the inner layer contains localized perforations and air conduits that enable bubble massage. This local differentiation of quality allows the liner to simultaneously achieve both isolation reliability and massage functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The inner air-conducting layer acts as an intermediary between the air pump and the soaking solution. It receives air from the pump through air conduits and delivers it to the solution through controlled openings, enabling bubble massage while the outer imperforate layer maintains isolation integrity
3Ease of operation
If a perforated liner is used to provide air bubbles, then massage functionality is improved, but isolation effectiveness is compromised due to potential leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is segmented into two layers with different permeability characteristics. The outer layer remains imperforate to ensure isolation reliability, while the inner layer contains the necessary perforations and air conduits for bubble massage. This segmentation prevents leakage while maintaining both functions
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines an outer imperforate layer for isolation with an inner perforated layer for air conduction. The outer layer acts as a barrier that prevents solution leakage, while the inner layer enables bubble massage, achieving both reliability and functionality simultaneously
4Adaptability or versatility
If a complex multi-component system is used to achieve both isolation and massage, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation function and air conduction function are merged into a single integrated liner assembly consisting of two bonded layers. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate isolation barriers and air conduction components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining dual functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The two-layer liner structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the outer layer provides isolation, the inner layer provides air conduction, and together they enable both hygiene protection and bubble massage. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional separate components
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 provides effective isolation of the soaking solution, enhances the diffusion of medicinal components, and maintains hygiene by preventing cross-contamination between users, while also being easier and less expensive to manufacture than prior art liners.
Implementation Method 1
an air conduit to direct pressurized air from an air discharge apparatus into the soaking solution, creating bubbles for massage
Implementation Method 2
enhances the diffusion of medicinal components
Implementation Method 3
creating bubbles for massage and mixing
Implementation Method 4
provides effective isolation of the soaking solution, enhances the diffusion of medicinal components, and maintains hygiene by preventing cross-contamination between users
Data Source
AI summary
A liner for use with a basin to contain a liquid features a plurality of bodies of flexible plastic. Portions of an inner face of a first body of flexible plastic are joined to corresponding portions of an inner face of a second body of flexible plastic, through which a plurality of openings are formed, to provide a multi-layer body of flexible plastic. Other portions of the inner face of the first body of flexible plastic are not joined to corresponding other portions of the inner face of the second body of flexible plastic, defining an air conduit between the first body of flexible plastic and the second body of flexible plastic for guiding pressurized air substantially from an air discharge apparatus.