Portable Drying Membrane Rack for Sanitary Sink-Side Bottle Washing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current baby feeding article washing and drying apparatuses are limited in portability, space efficiency, and sanitation, particularly in travel situations where bathroom sinks are unsanitary and space-constrained.
Innovation Solution
A portable, collapsible, and adjustable washing and drying apparatus featuring a flexible membrane with drainage holes and projections, supported by rigid frame members that can be hung or placed in various locations, maintaining items off unsanitary surfaces and allowing for adjustable size and shape conformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If baby feeding articles are washed and dried on a bathroom countertop, then washing and drying can be performed in limited space, but sanitation is compromised due to bacteria contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane with drainage holes serves as an intermediary barrier between baby feeding articles and the unsanitary bathroom countertop surface. The membrane allows water drainage while preventing direct contact with bacteria-contaminated surfaces, thus resolving the contradiction between space efficiency and sanitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible membrane shell that can be placed over the countertop surface to create a sanitary working area. This thin film structure provides sanitation protection while maintaining the limited space constraint, allowing washing and drying operations without direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a drying rack is used to air-dry articles, then sanitation is improved by preventing contact with unsanitary surfaces, but space requirements increase occupying valuable counter space
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane creates a raised drying surface that prevents article contact with the unsanitary countertop while maintaining a compact footprint. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to the countertop surface, providing sanitation protection without requiring additional counter space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes vertical dimension by raising articles above the countertop surface through the flexible membrane structure. This dimensional approach provides sanitation protection while minimizing horizontal space occupation, allowing drying in the vertical space above the countertop rather than expanding horizontally.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If towels are used to cover and dry articles, then sanitation is attempted to be maintained, but water drainage is poor and towels may harbor bacteria
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane incorporates drainage holes that enable efficient water drainage while maintaining the barrier function. The porous structure allows water to pass through to the countertop surface below while preventing direct contact between articles and contaminants, resolving the drainage inefficiency of towels while maintaining sanitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane acts as a disposable or easily cleanable barrier that prevents bacteria harboring issues associated with reusable towels. Unlike towels that can harbor bacteria in their fibers, the membrane provides a smooth, non-porous surface that prevents bacterial growth and can be easily discarded or sanitized.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If current washing and drying racks are used, then some sanitation protection is provided, but portability and adaptability to various locations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane provides sanitation protection while inherently offering portability and adaptability. Unlike rigid racks, the flexible membrane can be easily folded, stored, and adapted to various countertop surfaces and locations, including hotel rooms and travel environments, thus resolving the contradiction between sanitation protection and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane structure allows dynamic adaptation to different locations and surfaces. It can be configured for use in various settings (kitchens, bathrooms, hotel rooms) and can be easily stored when not in use, providing both sanitation protection and the portability needed for travel and different environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable washing and drying apparatus useful for washing and drying baby bottle components and other baby-feeding accessories in limited spaces. The apparatus has a flexible membrane to place baby-feeding accessories so that the apparatus can lie in sink basins that have a variety of sizes and shapes. The membrane has a plurality of interspersed holes and a plurality of projections to hold accessories. The membrane may have vertical partitions that separate the flexible membrane into drying and washing regions. The membrane is supported by at least two frame members secured to opposing sides of the membrane and can be spatially adjusted from each other. In one configuration, the frame members have hooks that extend therefrom and attach to an external support, such as a towel bar. In another configuration, the frame members are connected by a chain and hook, so that the apparatus can hang from a shower rod.