Knife Block Nozzle Guard for Splashback-Free Sanitizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Knife blocks are among the top three most dangerous kitchen items for harboring bacteria and germs due to improper washing and sanitizing of knives, and existing spray systems lack an effective means to sanitize the small slots without causing splashback.
Innovation Solution
A knife block spray sanitizer system with a novel nozzle adapter that includes a rear intake side for pressurized sanitizing fluid dispensing and a substantially flat splash guard with a rectangular slot guide to prevent splashback, allowing safe and effective sanitizing of knife block slots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressurized sanitizing fluid is sprayed into knife block slots, then sanitizing effectiveness is improved, but splashback occurs causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a nozzle adapter as an intermediary component between the spray bottle and knife block slots. This adapter includes a guard structure that mediates the interaction between pressurized fluid and the user, containing splashback within the slot while allowing effective sanitizing fluid delivery. The adapter serves as a protective interface that enables pressurized spraying without direct exposure to splashback hazards.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a guard structure is added to prevent splashback, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single nozzle adapter component. The adapter merges the spray nozzle, guard structure, and slot-guiding features into one integrated attachment that fits onto the spray bottle. This consolidation provides splashback protection and precise slot targeting without requiring multiple separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle adapter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it directs spray into narrow slots, contains splashback, and provides a secure attachment interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, maintaining relatively simple device architecture while achieving comprehensive safety and effectiveness.
3Reliability
If spray pressure is increased to reach into slots, then sanitizing coverage is improved, but control and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle adapter features a localized spray focus with a narrowed spray pattern that concentrates sanitizing fluid precisely where needed - inside the knife block slots. This local quality enhancement allows effective sanitizing coverage while maintaining user control, as the concentrated spray reduces overspray and makes it easier to target specific areas without excessive pressure.
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 system effectively sanitizes knife blocks and other kitchen items with porous surfaces by preventing splashback and ensuring thorough disinfection, reducing the risk of bacterial and fungal contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The pump head provides pressurized sanitizing fluid that is sprayed out of the front discharge end
Implementation Method 2
The pump head provides pressurized sanitizing fluid that is sprayed out of the front discharge end
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a novel nozzle adapter for a spray bottle. The nozzle adapter coupled to a nozzle of spray bottle to allow a fluid chemical composition of sanitizing fluid to be forcefully discharged through it into the small opening cut outs of a knife block. The nozzle adapter serves as a guard to enter the opening and protect a splash back from occurring when the user applies a sanitizing fluid spray solution by pressure into the inside portion of the knife block slots which are of various sizes.