Reusable Applicator with Suction Lid for Diaper Rash Cream
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional method of applying diaper rash cream requires both hands, leading to challenges in securing the baby, contaminating adult fingers, uneven distribution, and difficulties in accessing and cleaning up, with existing solutions still posing risks of the cream being knocked over or requiring single-use applicators.
Innovation Solution
A combination of an APPLICATOR apparatus with brush bristles attached to a tube handle and a LID with a suction cup that secures to a flat surface, allowing one-handed operation, even distribution, and reusability with any cream tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct manual application method is used, then the application process is simple, but the adult's fingers get contaminated with cream and require washing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a foam applicator as an intermediary tool between the cream tube and the baby's skin. The applicator absorbs the cream from the tube and transfers it to the skin, preventing direct contact between the adult's fingers and the cream, thus eliminating hand contamination while maintaining simple application
2Ease of operation
If both hands are occupied with opening and closing the cream tube, then the cream can be applied, but it becomes challenging to secure the baby
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the application system into three separate components: the cream tube, the foam applicator, and the lid. The applicator attaches to the tube and can be used with one hand while the other hand secures the baby. The lid remains attached to the tube when not in use, eliminating the need to handle it separately
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed to remain self-attached to the tube via a snap-fit mechanism when the applicator is removed. This self-service feature eliminates the need for the adult to manually hold or secure the lid, freeing both hands for other tasks such as securing the baby during the application process
3Object-affected harmful factors
If circular foam pad is used, then the cream can be applied without hand contamination, but it does not fit into the crevices and folds of the baby's body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the applicator from a rigid circular foam pad to a flexible foam-tipped applicator that can be compressed and shaped. The flexible foam tip can be pressed into and conform to the crevices, folds, and contours of the baby's body, providing effective coverage in areas that a rigid circular pad cannot reach
4Ease of operation
If the tube of cream is placed on the changing area surface, then it is easily accessible, but the child may knock it over or grab it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lid and tube into a single integrated unit through a snap-fit connection. When the applicator is removed, the lid automatically remains attached to the tube, creating a compact, self-contained unit that is less likely to be knocked over or grabbed by the child while remaining easily accessible on the changing surface
5Object-affected harmful factors
If the applicator is made as a single-use disposable item, then contamination is prevented, but it cannot be reused with different cream tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into a reusable applicator and replaceable cream tubes. The applicator features a threaded connection that can be detached and reattached to different tubes, allowing it to be reused with various cream products while maintaining contamination prevention through easy cleaning of the foam tip
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator is designed with a universal threaded connection that can accommodate multiple different cream tube types. This multi-functionality allows the same applicator to be reused with various cream tubes while maintaining proper hygiene through the ability to detach and clean the foam tip between uses
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
Enables secure, clean, and efficient application of diaper rash cream without contaminating hands, ensuring even distribution and preventing the cream from being knocked over, while allowing reuse of the applicator with any cream tube.
Implementation Method 1
a LID with a suction cup that secures to a flat surface
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator apparatus can be attached and detached to and from any tube container that properly fits. The tube is not part of the invention, but works with the invention as a handle and as a dispenser. When the tube is attached to the applicator apparatus, the hole of the tube in which the tubes contents come out of, meets with the hole of the applicator apparatus. The applicator apparatus's hole is surrounded by an applicator material such as brush bristles or sponge. When the tube is squeezed, the tubes contents will come out of the hole of the applicator apparatus and be introduce onto the surrounding bristles of the brush or sponge of the applicator apparatus. The applicator apparatus attaches to a lid. The top portion of the lid has an opening in which the applicator apparatus can be placed into. The bottom portion of the lid can have a suction cup base that is to be secured onto a flat hard surface or a pull tab that can be taken off by a humans mouth. The combination of the applicator apparatus working with the lid allows for a human to perform the entire application process without contaminating ones hand with the tubes contents, and while only using one hand.