Handheld Fluid Device for Single-Handed Pet Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for cleaning dogs are inefficient and cumbersome, requiring two hands to hold and clean, often resulting in water wastage, difficulty in controlling the cleaning process, and potential escape attempts by the dog, with existing solutions like hoses and showerheads being unsuitable and non-portable.

Innovation Solution

A portable, self-contained fluid outputting hand device that allows for pressure-activated and distance-controlled fluid output, integrated with a glove for single-handed operation, featuring a mix delivery system and interchangeable cartridges for shampoo and conditioner, enabling intuitive and effective pet cleaning without the need for external water sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional hoses or showerheads are used for cleaning dogs, then water can be supplied for cleaning, but the device is not portable and requires external water sources

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidself-contained system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the cleaning system into modular components: a handheld cleaning head with fluid output points, a separate fluid reservoir, and a pump mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to be portable while maintaining self-contained functionality, as each component can be independently optimized and combined.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: fluid storage, pumping, delivery, and cleaning operations. The device can switch between different fluid output modes (direct spray, diffuse spray) and accommodate various cleaning needs, making it universally applicable for different dog sizes and cleaning scenarios without requiring external water sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If one hand holds the cleaning device, then the other hand can pet and clean the dog, but control of the cleaning process becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle-handed operationVSAvoidcontrol of cleaning process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates automatic control mechanisms that respond to user input through simple gestures or pressure applications. The pump system can be activated automatically when the device contacts the dog, and fluid flow rate adjusts based on detected pressure or movement, allowing single-handed operation while maintaining reliable control through self-regulating features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device features dynamic adjustment capabilities where fluid output characteristics (pressure, flow rate, spray pattern) automatically adapt based on operational conditions. Sensors detect contact pressure and movement to modulate pump output in real-time, enabling the user to maintain control through natural hand movements while the system self-adjusts to optimize cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If fluid is output continuously for cleaning, then the cleaning process is effective, but water wastage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidwater wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs periodic or on-demand fluid delivery rather than continuous flow. The pump system activates only when cleaning contact is detected or when the user triggers fluid output, delivering fluid in controlled pulses or bursts. This periodic action maintains cleaning effectiveness by applying fluid precisely when needed while dramatically reducing overall water consumption compared to continuous flow systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The device dynamically changes fluid delivery parameters (flow rate, pressure, spray pattern) based on detected conditions such as contact pressure, movement speed, or selected cleaning mode. This allows the system to optimize water usage by delivering higher flow rates during intense cleaning moments and reducing or stopping flow during transitions or lighter cleaning tasks, thereby maintaining productivity while minimizing water wastage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If the dog moves or attempts to escape during cleaning, then cleaning coverage increases, but control is lost and cleaning efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling dog movementVSAvoidcleaning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on contact pressure, movement detection, and positioning. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust fluid delivery, pump operation, and spray targeting to maintain effective cleaning even when the dog moves. The user receives immediate sensory feedback about cleaning progress, enabling quick adjustments to maintain efficiency despite dog movement or escape attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10918083B2Fluid outputting hand device
Publication Date: 2021.02.16 BENNETT JETHRO
  • US10918083B2 patent drawing
  • US10918083B2 patent drawing
  • US10918083B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fluid outputting hand device 11 comprises: a front portion 13, for going in front of a user's hand; and a fluid output point, for outputting fluid; wherein the hand device 11 is configured for: pressure-activated outputting, so that fluid can be outputted onto a target, by applying pressure to the target; and selectable distance outputting of fluid, so that fluid can be outputted at a target, from a distance. Preferably the fluid outputting hand device comprises a thumb selecting arrangement, so that distance outputting can be selected by a thumb of a user.