Pacifier Cleaning With Manual Spray Pump and Enclosed Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pacifier cleaning methods, such as washing in sinks or dishwashers with other items, risk contamination and lack dedicated, secure cleaning and storage solutions.

Innovation Solution

A dedicated pacifier cleaning and storing apparatus with two design configurations, featuring a pump and spray nozzle for cleaning and a secure storage compartment, ensuring cleanliness and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a pacifier is cleaned in a sink or dishwasher with other items, then cleaning can be performed, but contamination risk increases and dedicated cleaning is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning convenienceVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is segmented into a dedicated cleaning chamber isolated from other items. The pacifier cleaning apparatus includes a separate container with cleaning fluid and a dedicated spray nozzle system, preventing contact with other contaminated items while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated cleaning fluid reservoir and spray delivery system act as intermediaries between the cleaning agent and the pacifier. The system delivers cleaning fluid through a controlled spray mechanism, preventing direct contact between the pacifier and other items while ensuring thorough cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a dedicated pacifier cleaning apparatus is provided, then contamination is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidapparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning function and storage function are merged into a single integrated apparatus. The pacifier cleaning apparatus includes a container for cleaning fluid, a spray mechanism, and a storage compartment, combining multiple functions into one device to reduce overall complexity while providing dedicated cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: cleaning the pacifier, storing it securely, and potentially cleaning other oral hygiene items. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining dedicated cleaning capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a secure enclosed storage space is provided, then cleanliness is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleanliness maintenanceVSAvoidstorage structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage compartment is merged with the cleaning container, forming an integrated structure. The pacifier storage and cleaner rack includes a raised platform within the vessel that provides secure storage space, eliminating the need for separate storage devices while maintaining cleanliness through the enclosed design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If a pump and spray nozzle system is used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pump mechanism is designed to be manually activated by the user through simple pressure application. The resilient member on the upper section, when squeezed, activates the pump to spray water, eliminating the need for complex electric or motorized pumping systems while maintaining effective cleaning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Provides a contamination-free cleaning solution for pacifiers and other oral hygiene items, ensuring cleanliness and portability, while being cost-effective and aesthetically appealing.

Implementation Method 1

the pressure forces the water through the water inlet into the pump. From the pump, the water is sprayed out, onto the pacifier resting on the support member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS12358029B2Pacifier cleaning and storage apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.07.15 DANIELS TERRY
  • US12358029B2 patent drawing
  • US12358029B2 patent drawing
  • US12358029B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A pacifier cleaning and storing apparatus is disclosed to have three main elements: an upper section, a center section and a lower section. Within the upper section is a pump with a water inlet and an adjustable spray nozzle. Within the lower section is an internal support member that is located at the substantial midpoint of the lower section. The apparatus can be opened, and a pacifier can be placed on the internal support member. Clean water is put into the center section, and when a resilient member on the upper sections is squeezed and downward pressure is applied, the water is forced through the inlet into the pump. The water is then sprayed, onto the pacifier. Once the pacifier has been cleaned, it can be removed, or remain within the apparatus.