Scraper sponge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices are inadequate for effectively scraping away unwanted substances from surfaces, particularly in corners, grooves, and crevices, due to limitations in surface engagement and manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A scraper sponge with a pyramid-shaped scraper insert and a contoured, depressible rear surface for improved pressure application, allowing for effective removal of substances from various surfaces, including those with complex geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional sponge or cleaning device is used, then it can clean general surfaces, but it cannot effectively scrape away unwanted substances from corners, grooves, and crevices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a scraper blade with a sponge body into a single integrated cleaning device. The scraper is embedded within the sponge, allowing the device to perform both scraping and cleaning functions simultaneously, effectively addressing both general surface cleaning and targeted substance removal from complex geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper is positioned specifically within the sponge body to target corners, grooves, and crevices where unwanted substances accumulate. This localized placement allows the scraper to address specific difficult-to-reach areas while the sponge handles general surface cleaning, optimizing the device for varied surface geometries.
2Force
If pressure is applied to traditional cleaning devices, then cleaning force increases, but manipulation and pressure application become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rear surface of the sponge is contoured with a curved, ergonomic shape that fits the user's hand. This curvature distributes pressure evenly across the scraping surface and provides a comfortable grip, making it easier to apply and maintain consistent pressure during the scraping operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sponge material provides flexibility and deformability, allowing the scraper to adapt to different surface geometries and angles. This dynamic characteristic enables the scraper to maintain effective contact with the surface while being manipulated, improving both ease of operation and pressure application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-material sponge with embedded metallic material is used, then cleaning and scouring functions are combined, but the device lacks effective scraping capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a rigid scraper blade within a flexible sponge body, merging the scraping function with the cleaning and scouring functions of the sponge. This combination creates a multi-functional device that can effectively scrape, clean, and scour surfaces in a single operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses composite construction with different materials serving different functions: the sponge body provides flexibility and cleaning capability, while the embedded scraper blade provides rigid scraping force. This composite structure allows the device to perform multiple cleaning functions effectively.
Data Source
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AI summary
A scraper sponge for cleaning and scraping away unwanted substances from an object or surface comprising a sponge body defining a first surface, first layer, second layer, third layer, second surface opposite the first surface, a continuous side surface around the perimeter; and the back of a scraper secured to the first layer opposite the first surface and the scraper defined by the first layer and an aperture through and approximately in the middle of the second layer, third layer and second surface of the sponge body. The entire surface area of the scraper, on it's front surface, is covered with pyramid shaped points extending outwardly in the direction of the second surface of the sponge body and is made level with the second surface of the sponge body when forces are applied to the first surface and subsequent back of scraper to manipulate the rigid scraper on a hard surface. The sponge body has three surfaces available for cleaning and scouring: the first surface, front scraper surface and second surface. The seamless second layer, third layer, third surface, and continuous side surface of the second and third layer are made of the same sponge-like cellulose material. As an alternative, the second layer, third layer, second surface, and the continuous side surface of the second and third layer are not made of the same material and the sponge body has at least four surfaces adapted for cleaning and scouring; the first surface, scraper front surface, the continuous side surface of layer two and the second surface.