Pet Grooming Brush With Medication Reservoir and Hollow Bristles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grooming devices do not effectively apply liquid medications to animals while brushing, especially for unruly or agitated pets, as they lack a mechanism to distribute the medication uniformly and efficiently during the brushing process.
Innovation Solution
A brush with a hollow bristle portion and handle portion in fluid communication, featuring a valve-controlled system where liquid medication is stored in the handle and released through hollow second bristles during brushing, allowing for controlled application as the animal is brushed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a brush is used to brush an animal, then the animal is groomed and cleaned, but liquid medication cannot be effectively applied to the animal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the medication reservoir, valve mechanism, and brush bristles into a single integrated grooming device. The handle portion contains the reservoir and valve, while the bristle portion contains the hollow bristles that deliver medication, merging multiple functions (brushing and medication application) into one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush serves multiple functions: it brushes the animal's coat, applies liquid medication through hollow bristles, and controls medication flow through an integrated valve system. This multi-functionality addresses the technical contradiction by enabling medication application without requiring a separate application device.
2Manufacturing precision
If liquid medication is applied to an animal while brushing, then uniform distribution is achieved, but control over medication flow is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The valve acts as an intermediary control mechanism between the reservoir and the hollow bristles. It selectively opens or closes to control medication flow, enabling precise control over when and how much medication is applied during the brushing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is made movable relative to the reservoir, allowing dynamic adjustment of medication flow. The valve can transition between closed and open positions, enabling the user to control the timing and amount of medication delivered to the animal during brushing.
3Reliability
If hollow bristles are used to deliver medication, then effective medication application is achieved, but brush manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brush is segmented into distinct functional portions: the handle portion containing the reservoir and valve, and the bristle portion containing the hollow bristles. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using appropriate processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow bristles are nested within the bristle portion structure, with the medication flow path integrated into the bristle itself. The valve is positioned within the handle portion, creating a nested arrangement where components are housed within their respective structural elements, simplifying assembly.
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
Facilitates the easy and uniform application of liquid medications, such as flea and tick treatments, by releasing them onto the animal while brushing, calming the pet and ensuring effective distribution even on unruly or agitated animals.
Implementation Method 1
The chamber and the reservoir are in fluid communication with each other. A valve is movably attached to the brush and the valve is positioned between the reservoir and the chamber. Thus, the valve selectively inhibits a flow of the liquid medication from the reservoir to the chamber.
Implementation Method 2
Each of the second bristles is substantially hollow such that each of the second bristles is in fluid communication with the chamber. Thus, each of the second bristles may release the liquid medication onto the animal.
Data Source
AI summary
A pet grooming assembly includes a brush that has a handle portion and a bristle portion. The bristle portion has a chamber within the bristle portion. The handle portion has a reservoir within the handle portion wherein the reservoir may contain a liquid medication. The chamber and the reservoir are in fluid communication with each other. A valve is movably attached to the brush and the valve selectively inhibits a flow of the liquid medication from the reservoir to the chamber. A plurality of first bristles is attached to the bristle portion wherein each of the first bristles may brush an animal. A plurality of second bristles is attached to the bristle portion. Each of the second bristles is substantially hollow such that each of the second bristles is in fluid communication with the chamber. Thus, each of the second bristles may release the liquid medication onto the animal.