Integrated Scraper-Sponge for Solidified Contaminant Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sponges are inadequate for removing solidified dirt and leftover food particles from surfaces, as simple wiping does not effectively remove these contaminants.

Innovation Solution

An integrated scraper-sponge is designed, comprising a first sponge layer and a second scrub layer with a scraper layer sandwiched between them, featuring a scraper edge protruding from the side surface for effective removal of contaminants, along with a support structure and apertures for flexibility and adhesion enhancement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple sponge is used for cleaning, then the sponge can absorb liquids and provide wiping action, but it fails to remove solidified contaminants and food particles from surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcontaminant removal capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a scraper layer with scraping functionality into the sponge structure. The scraper layer is integrated between the first and second sponge layers, creating a multi-functional cleaning tool that can both absorb liquids and mechanically scrape solidified contaminants from surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning implement is designed to perform multiple functions: the sponge layers provide liquid absorption and wiping, while the integrated scraper layer provides mechanical scraping capability. This universal design allows a single tool to handle various types of contaminants that previously required separate tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a scraper is added to the sponge to enable scraping of solidified contaminants, then contaminant removal capability is improved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant removal capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The scraper layer is nested between the two sponge layers, with the scraper layer fitting within the overall sponge structure. The support structure body of the scraper layer includes apertures that allow integration with the sponge layers while maintaining the scraper's functional integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The scraper layer is positioned only where needed within the sponge structure, with the scraping surface exposed at specific locations. The support structure body provides localized reinforcement only in areas where structural support is necessary, rather than making the entire assembly rigid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the scraper layer is made rigid to effectively scrape contaminants, then scraping performance is improved, but the flexibility and adaptability to surface contours deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescraping performanceVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The scraper layer incorporates a flexible support structure body that can conform to surface contours. The thin film-like structure allows the scraper to adapt to curved or irregular surfaces while maintaining enough rigidity to effectively scrape contaminants from the surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning implement uses composite construction with different materials having different properties: the sponge layers provide flexibility and absorbency, while the scraper layer provides rigid scraping capability. This composite structure allows each component to contribute its optimal properties to the overall performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 integrated scraper-sponge effectively removes solidified contaminants by combining the absorbency of the sponge with the scraping functionality, enhancing cleaning efficiency on various surface contours while maintaining structural integrity and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

a first sponge layer of absorbent material, and a second sponge or scrub layer of absorbent material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

Sponges provide a suitable medium for holding various types of soaps

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

The scraper layer includes a scraper edge portion protruding outwardly from a integrated scraper-sponge of the continuous side surface of the sponge body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

The first and second layers are mated to one another, for instance, with appropriate adhesive, at an interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10426312B1Integrated scraper-sponge

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 SANI PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

An integrated scraper-sponge includes scraper layer is fixed between the first and second sponge and/or abrasive layers. The support structure body includes an area configured and dimensioned to fit between at least a major portion the interface, and/or a plurality of apertures are provided within the area of the support structure body. The scraper layer includes an edge that can be used to remove solidified or other contaminants.