Magnetic Footbath Circulator for Hygienic Cleaning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foot baths with circulators have structural designs that hinder effective cleaning and disinfection, leading to the spread of microorganisms like non-tuberculosis mycobacteria, due to the presence of intricate parts that cannot be adequately accessed for cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A circulator system using a ferromagnetic impeller driven by a magnetic coupling outside the foot bath, allowing for easy detachment and replacement, and incorporating a perforate cover with stator blades for efficient water circulation without the need for seals, thereby preventing microbial transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a circulator is mechanically driven by a shaft extending through a seal in the wall of the tub, then the circulator can be driven by an external motor, but the circulator cannot be easily cleaned or replaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of circulator replacementVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circulator is extracted from the sealed internal structure and repositioned to a removable external location. The circulator can be detached from the foot bath assembly and removed for cleaning or replacement, eliminating the need for disassembling internal sealed structures. This extraction resolves the contradiction by enabling easy replacement while reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The foot bath assembly is segmented into separable components, with the circulator positioned as a removable module. The circulator can be detached as a separate unit from the foot bath housing, allowing independent access for cleaning and replacement without affecting other components. This segmentation enables easy operation while simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If conventional circulation devices include intricate structures for water circulation, then water can be circulated effectively, but the structures cannot be adequately accessed for cleaning and disinfection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater circulation efficiencyVSAvoidease of cleaning and disinfection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The circulator is extracted to a removable external position where it can be easily accessed for cleaning. By removing the circulator from the sealed internal structure, all water circulation components become accessible for thorough cleaning and disinfection, resolving the contradiction between circulation efficiency and ease of cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The circulator is designed with dynamic accessibility, transitioning from a fixed internal position to a removable external position. This dynamic design allows the circulator to be easily removed for cleaning and reinstalled for operation, enabling effective water circulation while maintaining ease of cleaning and disinfection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the circulator remains in place between users, then water circulation continues, but microorganisms from prior users can contaminate the foot bath

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous water circulationVSAvoidmicrobial contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The circulator is removed as a preliminary action before each use, allowing for cleaning and disinfection of all water circulation components. This preliminary removal and cleaning prevents microbial contamination from prior users while maintaining the ability to restore continuous water circulation by simply reattaching the circulator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The circulator is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that can be removed and cleaned between users. Rather than attempting to clean intricate internal structures, the circulator can be easily detached, cleaned, and reattached, effectively preventing microbial contamination while maintaining continuous circulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Ensures thorough cleaning and disinfection between users by enabling easy circulator replacement and reducing the risk of microbial contamination, while maintaining efficient water circulation.

Implementation Method 1

said impeller including a part thereof that is manufactured of a ferromagnetic material whereby said impeller will rotate when a rotating coaxial magnetic material is disposed proximate to said impeller with magnetic engagement between said ferromagnetic material to cause said impeller to rotate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic engagement: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250288488A1Hygenic footbath circulator

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 TRAN KENT

AI summary

A circulator for use with a foot bath which comprises a perforate cover having an outlet port, a base secured to said cover having at least one upstanding stator blade intermediate said base and said cover and aligned with said outlet port, an impeller is mounted for rotation with respect to said base intermediate said base and said cover, said impeller including at least one radially extending blade, said impeller including a part thereof that is manufactured of a ferromagnetic material.