Loose Strand Retainer with Suction Cup and Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for securing and collecting loose hair in a wet environment are either difficult to use, require excessive maintenance, or fail to prevent hair from entering the drain, leading to potential clogging.
Innovation Solution
A compact, simplistic loose strand retainer with a base and protrusions for receiving hair, attached to a support surface using a suction cup, allowing easy hair transfer without attention and minimal maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hook and loop materials are used on protrusions to secure hair, then hair retention is improved, but maintenance complexity increases due to clogging from overspray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hook and loop materials from the protrusions, extracting the problematic element that caused maintenance issues. Instead, the protrusions rely on their geometric shape and flexibility to secure hair through mechanical interlocking, eliminating the need to clean clogged adhesive surfaces while maintaining hair retention capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using adhesive materials (hook and loop) to secure hair, the invention inverts the approach by using the natural mechanical properties of flexible protrusions that bend and interlock with hair strands. This reversal eliminates the maintenance burden of cleaning adhesive surfaces while preserving the hair-securing function
2Reliability
If a complex structure with multiple parts is used to collect hair, then hair collection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hair collection function into a single integrated base structure with protrusions, eliminating the need for separate collection containers, screens, or multiple components. The base itself performs the collection function, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective hair collection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, collects hair through its protrusions, and attaches to the shower surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive hair collection capability
3Ease of operation
If a smooth panel is used to transfer hair, then ease of operation is improved, but hair retention deteriorates as hair falls out after drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses curved or rounded protrusions instead of flat smooth surfaces. The curved geometry allows hair to nestle into the contours of the protrusions, providing mechanical retention through interlocking while maintaining ease of operation as hair can still be transferred by contact with the curved surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are designed to be flexible and dynamic, bending when contacted by hair or user fingers. This dynamic behavior allows easy hair transfer during use while maintaining retention capability, as the protrusions can adapt their shape to secure hair strands effectively
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
Effectively secures and collects loose hair without requiring user attention, reduces maintenance needs, and prevents hair from entering the drain, maintaining a clean and functional device.
Implementation Method 1
an attachment means disposed on the bottom surface, the attachment means configured for attaching the loose strand retainer to a support surface
Data Source
AI summary
A loose strand retainer including:(a) only one base, the only one base including a top surface configured for receiving and retaining loose strands and a bottom surface; and(b) an attachment means disposed on the bottom surface, the attachment means configured for attaching the loose strand retainer to a support surface.