Magnetic Aquarium Window Cleaner with Nesting Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aquarium window cleaning devices require frequent removal and storage, are aesthetically unappealing when multiple components are attached, and often necessitate multiple devices for different types and levels of contamination, leading to space inefficiency and unnecessary purchases.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically coupled device with an interior and exterior element, where the interior element is buoyant and can attach accessories via magnetic force on a side opposite to the window attachment, allowing for versatile, space-saving, and aesthetically pleasing functionality expansion without obstructing the view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cleaning device is left attached to the aquarium window between cleanings, then the effort of removal and storage is eliminated, but the device occupies space and reduces the observable area of the window
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed to attach to the back of other aquarium window components (thermometers, instruments, control devices), nesting itself within the existing component structure. This allows the device to remain attached to the window without occupying additional observable space, as it utilizes the space behind existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from occupying two-dimensional window surface space to utilizing the third dimension by attaching to the backside of existing components. The interior element with magnets attaches to the exterior surface of other devices, effectively moving the attachment point to another dimension (behind the window components rather than on the visible surface).
2Reliability
If multiple cleaning devices are purchased for different types of aquarium windows or contamination levels, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed with universal applicability through its magnetic attachment system that can adhere to various aquarium window component materials. The interior element with magnets can attach to different exterior elements, allowing a single device design to serve multiple aquarium window types and contamination scenarios without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates interchangeable cleaning elements (felt pads, scrapers, sponges) that can be attached and removed as needed. This dynamic configuration allows the same base device to adapt to different cleaning requirements and contamination levels, replacing the need for multiple fixed-function devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are attached to the aquarium window, then functionality is enhanced, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device nests behind existing aquarium window components, utilizing the space on the backside of thermometers, instruments, and control devices. This nesting arrangement consolidates multiple functions into a single location rather than spreading components across the visible window surface, thereby maintaining aesthetic appearance while enhancing functionality.
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
Enables the device to remain in the aquarium between cleanings, reducing clutter and the need for multiple devices by providing additional functionalities through interchangeable accessories, maintaining a clear view and improving user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
which interior and exterior elements attract each other under the influence of magnetic force, so that movement of the exterior element along the aquarium window causes the interior element to follow this movement
Implementation Method 2
the interior element is so constructed that, once the magnetic force has been removed, the interior element will remain afloat on the liquid medium that is present in the aquarium
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (2) for cleaning aquarium windows (12), in particular the inside thereof, comprising an interior element (4), which is to be placed on the inside of the aquarium window (12), and an exterior element (6), which is to be placed on the outside of the aquarium window (12), which interior and exterior elements (4, 6) attract each other under the influence of magnetic force, so that movement of the exterior element (6) along the aquarium window (12) causes the interior element (4) to follow this movement, wherein the interior element (4) is configured such that an accessory part (24, 30, 50, 70, 90, 110) may be attached to the interior element (4) by magnetic force on a side (22) of the interior element (4) different to the side (8) for attaching the interior element (4) to the aquarium window (12). The invention further relates to an accessory part (24, 30, 50, 70, 90, 110) for being attached to the interior element (4) of such a device (2) and to a kit of parts (40, 60, 80, 100, 122) comprising such a device (2) and such an accessory part (24, 30, 50, 70, 90, 110).