Portable hygiene device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable hygiene devices are inadequate for individuals with disabilities or mobility issues, as they lack a mechanism to ensure thorough cleansing of the rectal area without the need for toilet paper, which can be irritating, and do not provide a brush feature for genital, urinary, or anal areas, making it difficult for users to maintain hygiene effectively.
Innovation Solution
A personal hygiene device comprising a bottle body with an extension tube and a brush on its outer surface, where the brush is designed to cleanse the rectal area, and the device is configured to deliver fluid to facilitate cleaning, with the brush strands made of silicon or soft plastic and the orifice positioned at the tip of the extension tube for efficient fluid release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional spray bottle is used to cleanse the rectal area, then water can be delivered to the rectal area, but the cleansing is not sufficient and toilet paper is still needed which causes irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spray mechanism and brush into a single integrated device. The brush is positioned on the extension tube to surround the spray nozzle, allowing simultaneous water delivery and mechanical cleaning action. This merging ensures thorough cleansing without needing toilet paper, eliminating rectal irritation while maintaining effective cleaning.
2Ease of operation
If a person with spinal injury or back issues uses a conventional spray bottle, then water can be sprayed, but it is difficult to reach the rectal area with the remaining hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the spray function to a longer extension tube that can reach the rectal area without requiring the user to bend over or reach back with their hand. The extended length allows users with spinal injuries or back issues to perform perineal hygiene from a seated position, making the operation accessible and eliminating the physical strain of reaching difficult areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional portable hygiene devices are used, then water can be sprayed for cleaning, but there is no brush feature for cleaning genital, urinary, or anal areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a brush onto the extension tube in a space-efficient manner. The brush strands are arranged to surround the spray nozzle, allowing both functions (spraying and brushing) to be combined in a single compact structure. This merging provides multi-area cleaning capability for genital, urinary, and anal regions without significantly increasing device complexity.
4Productivity
If conventional spray bottles are used, then water can be delivered, but there is no mechanism to eliminate refractory period to eject more water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the bottle body and extension tube to enable continuous water flow without significant refractory period. The structural design allows the user to maintain pressure on the bottle to continuously eject water through the extended tube and brush, eliminating idle time between spray cycles and maintaining continuous cleaning action for improved productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal hygiene device includes a bottle body configured to hold a fluid, and an extension tube, connected to the bottle body through a connector. In some embodiments, the extension tube includes a brush and an orifice configured to release the fluid. In other embodiments, the extension tube is designed to be inserted into a body cavity and does not include a brush.