Packet with integrated scrubber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cleaning brushes with internal reservoirs for storing cleaning solutions are large, heavy, and expensive, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective solution for delivering cleaning agents during scrubbing.

Innovation Solution

A packet comprising a front and back panel with serrated edges and a nozzle for fluid communication, allowing for the controlled dispensing of a cleaning solution onto an object, which can be used as a scrubber by reducing the distance between edges to enhance scrubbing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional brushes with internal reservoirs are used to store and dispense cleaning solution, then cleaning solution can be delivered during scrubbing, but the device becomes large, heavy, and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning solution deliveryVSAvoidbrush weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the cleaning system into two separate components: a lightweight packet containing the cleaning solution and a separate scrubbing tool (brush or sponge). The packet is opened and the solution is applied to the scrubbing tool or directly onto the surface, eliminating the need for an integrated reservoir in the brush. This segmentation allows the brush to remain lightweight while still enabling cleaning solution delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning solution reservoir is extracted from the brush and placed in a separate packet. The packet is designed to be opened and the solution dispensed onto the scrubbing surface or tool. This extraction removes the heavy reservoir component from the brush, significantly reducing its weight while maintaining the functionality of cleaning solution delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If conventional brushes with internal reservoirs are used to store cleaning solution, then cleaning solution can be delivered during scrubbing, but the device becomes large and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning solution deliveryVSAvoidbrush structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is segmented into a simple packet containing the solution and a separate scrubbing tool. The packet has a simple structure with a seal and opening mechanism, while the brush remains a simple scrubbing tool without any integrated reservoir or dispensing mechanism. This segmentation simplifies the overall device complexity compared to an integrated brush-reservoir system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complex reservoir and dispensing mechanism are extracted from the brush and replaced with a simple packet that can be opened and dispensed. The packet structure is much simpler than an integrated brush reservoir, requiring minimal components (seal, opening flap or tear notch, and the solution container), thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the packet edges are kept far apart, then the packet has flexibility for application, but the structural rigidity during scrubbing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket flexibilityVSAvoidstructural rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The packet is designed to be dynamic in its usage state: during application, the packet remains open and flexible for easy manipulation and solution dispensing. During scrubbing, the packet edges are pressed together or folded to provide structural rigidity and stability. This dynamic adjustment of the packet structure allows it to adapt between flexibility and rigidity based on the operational phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The packet is constructed from flexible material that can be easily manipulated during opening and application. The flexible nature of the packet allows it to be folded or pressed together during use to provide rigidity when needed, while maintaining flexibility for application. The thin film structure enables both flexibility for handling and rigidity when compressed during scrubbing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3484337B1Packet with integrated scrubber
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO
  • EP3484337B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3484337B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3484337B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A packet includes a front panel and a back panel defining an internal volume therebetween. The front panel and the back panel include a first edge having a plurality of first recesses formed therein. A nozzle provides a path of fluid communication from the internal volume, through the first edge, to an exterior of the packet. A consumer product is disposed within the internal volume. A cap is configured to prevent the consumer product from flowing from the internal volume, through the nozzle, and to the exterior of the packet.