Gel Foot Bath Composition for In-Use Sanitizing and Easy Cleanup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bathing systems, particularly those with whirlpool functions, face challenges in completely removing impurities and sanitizing the water and circulation pipes, leading to unsanitary conditions and increased energy consumption in cleaning procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method and composition for foot bathing that involves a gel-like substance formed with a super absorbent polymer and a dissolving agent, including sodium chloride and sodium hydrogen carbonate, which transforms into a low-viscosity liquid during bathing, facilitating sanitization and deodorization without harsh chemicals, reducing the need for extensive cleaning operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bathing systems with whirlpool functions are used, then massaging and circulation benefits are provided, but impurities and harmful substances accumulate in the water system and pipes, creating unsanitary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful accumulation of impurities into a beneficial cleaning process by adding oxidizing agents (sodium percarbonate, hydrogen peroxide) and surfactants to the bath water. These substances chemically break down and remove accumulated impurities, skin cells, and organic matter from the water system and pipes, transforming the unsanitary condition into an effective self-cleaning bathing experience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces chemical intermediaries (oxidizing agents, surfactants, chelating agents) that mediate between the bather and the water system. These substances act as mediators that facilitate the removal of impurities without requiring separate cleaning operations, enabling the bathing process itself to sanitize the system
2Object-affected harmful factors
If thorough cleaning and sanitization of the water system is performed after each use, then unsanitary conditions are prevented, but excessive water and energy consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the bathing system to self-sanitize during normal bathing operations. The added chemical substances (oxidizing agents, surfactants) continuously act on impurities as they accumulate, allowing the system to maintain sanitation automatically without requiring external cleaning interventions, thus eliminating excessive water and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the cleaning action from a discrete post-bathing operation into a continuous process that occurs throughout the bathing duration. The chemical substances remain active in the water, continuously breaking down and removing impurities as they accumulate, providing ongoing sanitization without interruption to the bathing experience
3Object-affected harmful factors
If chemical cleaning agents are used to sanitize the water system, then harmful substances are removed, but toxic effects and unpleasant odors are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning process by using oxygen-based oxidizing agents (sodium percarbonate, hydrogen peroxide) that decompose into water and oxygen, rather than traditional chlorine-based agents. This parameter change eliminates toxic byproducts and unpleasant odors while maintaining effective impurity removal through oxidative breakdown
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs strong oxidizing agents (sodium percarbonate releasing hydrogen peroxide, calcium hypochlorite) that rapidly break down organic impurities, skin cells, and bacterial contaminants through oxidation. These oxidants effectively sanitize the water system by converting harmful organic substances into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and mineral salts without producing toxic residues
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
This approach effectively sanitizes and deodorizes the bathing system during normal operations, reducing the time and energy required for subsequent cleaning, while providing enhanced foot care and a relaxing experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first material including a super absorbent polymer, the first material being usable for absorbing a substantial amount of water and forming a gelatinous mixture suitable for bathing
Implementation Method 2
a second material including sodium chloride and sodium hydrogen carbonate, the second material being usable for transforming the gelatinous mixture to a liquid having a low viscosity
Implementation Method 3
the second material being usable for transforming the gelatinous mixture to a liquid having a low viscosity while also facilitating sanitization of the liquid and cleaning of the bath apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A method of foot care for a bather comprises: providing a water container partially filled water therein; adding a first material to the water, the first material including a super absorbent polymer capable of absorbing a substantial amount of water; forming a gelatinous mixture with the first material absorbing the water; placing the feet of the bather in the gelatinous mixture for bathing; adding a second material and water to the gelatinous mixture, the second material including a dissolving agent for transforming the gelatinous mixture to a liquid having a low viscosity and a sanitizing or disinfectant agent for sanitizing without causing toxic effects to the bather; placing for bathing the feet of the bather in the dissolved liquid; and, removing the dissolved liquid from the water container.