Mesh Bath Toy Holder for Mold-Resistant Drying

Solution Overview

Problem

Current bath toy storage devices are inadequate in preventing mold and mildew formation, often cumbersome, and difficult to clean, as they lack sufficient airflow and easy removal features.

Innovation Solution

A flexible receptacle with a mesh material and posts/caps attachment system that allows for secure mounting to walls or tubs, featuring removable caps for easy cleaning and a mesh design for airflow, made from quick-drying, machine-washable neoprene for preventing mold and mildew.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If bath toys are stored in a confined bathtub space, then storage space is limited, but mold and mildew formation increases due to damp environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidmold and mildew formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device is divided into multiple compartments that can be separated and removed independently. Each compartment can be taken out for cleaning, allowing thorough drying to prevent mold and mildew while maintaining storage capacity in the confined bathtub space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates mesh material and drainage holes that allow water to pass through and air to circulate. This porous structure enables rapid drying of stored toys and the device itself, eliminating the damp environment that promotes mold and mildew formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Quantity of substance

If bath toy storage devices are made large to provide sufficient storage, then storage capacity increases, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to remove for cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidease of removal for cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device is divided into multiple compartments that can be separated and removed independently. Each compartment can be taken out for cleaning, allowing thorough drying to prevent mold and mildew while maintaining storage capacity in the confined bathtub space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates flexible components and flexible receptacles that can be easily manipulated for removal and reattachment. The mounting mechanism allows for easy attachment to and removal from the bathtub, enabling convenient cleaning without requiring complete disassembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional plastic storage devices are used with few holes, then manufacturing is simple, but adequate airflow cannot pass through and water remains on toys

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidairflow sufficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates mesh material and drainage holes that allow water to pass through and air to circulate. This porous structure enables rapid drying of stored toys and the device itself, eliminating the damp environment that promotes mold and mildew formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines different materials including mesh fabric, flexible polymers, and rigid mounting components. This composite construction maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving superior airflow and drainage performance compared to solid plastic designs

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 solution effectively prevents mold and mildew formation by ensuring airflow and easy cleaning, while being easy to install and remove, thus enhancing bath safety and hygiene.

Implementation Method 1

at least two suction cups are provided for attachment to a wall or bathtub surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS8827102B2Device for holding bath toys

Publication Date: 2014.09.09 SKIP HOP INC

AI summary

A device for holding bath toys is provided that includes a flexible receptacle having a back panel and a front panel adjoined by opposing sides and a bottom of the receptacle. At least a portion of the bottom of the receptacle is formed of a mesh material. The top portion of the back panel and an upper edge of the front panel define an open end of the receptacle. The device can be attached to a bathroom wall, for example by using at least two posts which extend through a respective opening in the receptacle and at least two caps, each cap defining a bore for receiving the post and for secure attachment to the post.