Open-Container Gel Sanitizing Device for Fixture Streak Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitizing devices for sanitary fixtures face issues with solid tablets having an unpleasant appearance, leaving streaks, being costly, and requiring direct user contact, while gel applications are complex and liquid tablets need closed containers for gradual release.
Innovation Solution
A sanitizing device with an open container containing gel-form sanitizing product, featuring slits that allow gradual release without leakage, eliminating the need for direct user contact and complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If solid tablets with inert substances are used, then the tablet has a solid texture and can be accommodated in a cage, but the tablet leaves undesired streaks on the inner surface of the sanitary fixture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the sanitizing product from solid tablet to gel form. The gel maintains sufficient viscosity to be contained in the cage structure without requiring inert substances, while simultaneously eliminating the streaking problem associated with solid tablets. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between maintaining structural integrity and preventing surface contamination.
2Volume of moving object
If solid tablets with high density are used, then the tablet has sufficient volume, but a relatively high amount by weight of product is required resulting in high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state from solid to gel, which has lower density. This allows the same volume to contain less weight of active product, reducing the amount of sanitizing substance required while maintaining adequate volume for effective sanitization. The gel formulation achieves volume efficiency without requiring high concentrations of active ingredients.
3Reliability
If gel is applied directly on the wall of the sanitary fixture, then the sanitizing effect is achieved, but the user needs to come into contact with the internal wall which is often unwanted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cage structure that holds the gel formulation away from the user's direct contact area. The cage acts as a mediator, allowing the gel to be positioned on the sanitary fixture surface while the user applies it without touching the potentially contaminated internal walls. This resolves the contradiction between achieving reliable sanitization and maintaining ease of operation.
4Quantity of substance
If liquid tablets are used, then the product is aqueous and free from inert substances, but complex and expensive mechanisms are needed to allow gradual release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state from liquid to gel, which maintains the advantage of being aqueous and free from inert substances while providing natural viscosity-based control over product release. The gel's viscoelastic properties enable gradual release through the cage structure without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between product purity and device simplicity.
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 device maintains a pleasing appearance, ensures reliable and cost-effective sanitization with easy implementation, and avoids direct contact and complex mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The container body (2) is adapted to contain a sanitizing product in gel form (4)
Implementation Method 2
the slits (5) are adapted to allow the product in gel form (4) to be struck directly by streams of water of the sanitary fixture and a direct discharge of the resulting solution with gradual release of the sanitizing product
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
A sanitizing device, particularly for sanitary fixtures and the like, which comprises an open container body that is adapted to accommodate a sanitizing product, and a stem adapted to enable the clipping of the device to a sanitary fixture; the container body accommodates a sanitizing product in gel form that is adapted to be released gradually by the container body as a consequence of the passage of water through the container body.