Reversible Plunger Cover with Closure Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals dislike cleaning or unclogging toilets due to the fear of touching or dripping waste material, highlighting the need for a sanitary solution to avoid unsanitary conditions.
Innovation Solution
A reversible and securable cover system for plungers that includes a handle with a closure mechanism, allowing the plunger to be inserted and secured within a water-resistant cover, which inverts to contain waste material upon removal, preventing exposure to unsanitary fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plunger is used to unclog toilets, then the plunger can effectively remove blockages, but the user is exposed to waste material and unsanitary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cover as an intermediary barrier between the plunger and the waste material. The cover fits over the plunger head and can be secured in place, allowing the user to manipulate the plunger without direct contact with waste. This intermediary structure protects the user while maintaining the plunger's unclogging function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is made from a flexible, water-resistant material that can conform to the plunger shape while providing protection. The flexible nature allows the cover to be easily attached and detached, and it can accommodate the plunger's movement during use without compromising the barrier against waste material.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is added to protect the plunger, then sanitation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system is divided into separate components: the cover itself, the attachment mechanism, and the plunger. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while working together to provide protection. The cover can be independently attached and detached without affecting the plunger's functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the cover to be easily attached and detached during use. The mechanism adapts to the plunger's shape and size, providing a secure fit when attached but allowing quick removal when needed, thus balancing protection with ease of operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover is made water-resistant, then protection against waste is improved, but the cover cannot be disposed of easily
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to be recoverable and reusable rather than disposable. The water-resistant material is durable and can be cleaned and sterilized for repeated use. This approach eliminates the need for constant disposal and replacement, reducing waste while maintaining protection against water and waste material.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover's water-resistant property is achieved through material selection and surface treatment rather than through a complex structure. By changing the material parameters to be water-resistant while keeping the overall design simple, the cover provides effective protection without becoming difficult to dispose of or clean.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system, or method for covering and utilizing a plunger. The plunger can be inserted into a cover configured or sized to receive the plunger. The cover is attached to a handle with a closure mechanism. The closure mechanism is used to close the open end of the cover after removal of the plunger from the cover. A toilet or other drain or pipe system may be unclogged using the covered plunger. When the plunger and the cover are removed from a toilet, and the plunger is removed from the cover, the cover reverses or inverts. When reversed or inverted, the cover contains water or waste material from the toilet within the cover.