Foot-Worn Pool Scrubber for Cleaning Submerged Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scrubbing apparatuses are not designed for use in swimming pools filled with water, limiting their effectiveness in cleaning submerged surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A scrubbing apparatus with a body and a scrubbing member attached to a shoe, allowing users to clean pool surfaces while keeping their head above water, using a strap to secure the apparatus to the foot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing scrubbing apparatuses are used, then they can clean surfaces, but they cannot be effectively used in swimming pools filled with water
Solution Approach 1:
The scrubbing apparatus is specifically designed with parameters suitable for water environment - the body is made waterproof, the scrubbing member is positioned to function effectively when the foot is submerged, and the overall structure is optimized for use while wearing a wetsuit or swimwear, transforming the apparatus from land-based to water-based operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions the scrubbing function from hand-held operation to foot-worn operation, adding the dimension of leg movement and body weight to the scrubbing action. This allows the user to reach areas inaccessible to hand-held devices while maintaining cleaning effectiveness in the water environment
2Area of stationary object
If hand-held cleaning devices are used, then they can clean pool surfaces, but they cannot reach areas inaccessible to the user
Solution Approach 1:
By attaching the scrubbing member to the foot rather than the hand, the apparatus utilizes the full range of motion of the leg and body weight to reach distant and hard-to-access areas of the pool, expanding the cleanable surface area beyond what is possible with hand-held devices
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus uses the user's own body weight and natural foot movements to perform the scrubbing action, eliminating the need for arm and hand effort. This allows the user to maintain an upright position with head above water while the foot does the work of cleaning
3Area of stationary object
If the user submerges their head to clean pool surfaces, then they can reach more areas, but they cannot maintain their head out of the water
Solution Approach 1:
The foot-worn design allows the user's body weight and leg movement to perform the cleaning work, freeing the upper body and head to remain above water for breathing and observation, while still achieving access to difficult-to-reach areas through the extended range of motion of the leg
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transfers the cleaning function from the upper body (hands and arms) to the lower body (feet and legs), creating a new dimension of motion that allows the user to reach pool surfaces while maintaining an upright, safe position with head above water
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus for cleaning surfaces in a swimming pool includes a body to which a scrubber member is attached for scrubbing surfaces of a swimming pool. The body is attachable to a foot of a user by receiving the foot into a cavity defined by the body. A method of using the cleaning apparatus to clean the surfaces of the swimming pool is also provided.