Scrubbing tool system having a storage and molding device, and a moldable and dissolvable cleaning head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toilet scrubbing tools with dissolvable cleaning heads face challenges such as limited reusability due to dissolution when exposed to water, leading to secure connection issues and increased waste, as the portion connecting to the handle also dissolves.
Innovation Solution
A scrubbing tool system featuring a moldable and dissolvable cleaning head that can be reshaped and reused, attached to a handle via a storage and molding device which compresses the cleaning head to securely connect it, allowing multiple uses and storage in a toilet bowl for continued cleaning action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dissolvable cleaning head is used, then the cleaning agent is activated upon contact with water, but the cleaning head dissolves and can no longer securely connect to the scrubbing handle
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning head is divided into two functional parts: a dissolvable cleaning agent portion and a non-dissolvable connecting portion with a cavity. The connecting portion maintains structural integrity to securely attach to the scrubbing handle, while the cleaning agent portion dissolves to provide cleaning action. This segmentation allows the connection to remain secure while the cleaning function is delivered through dissolution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cleaning head have different properties: the connecting portion is made of non-dissolvable material to maintain connection security, while the cleaning agent portion is made of dissolvable material to provide cleaning action. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between maintaining connection and enabling dissolution.
2Loss of substance
If the cleaning head is made dissolvable, then waste is reduced, but the connection portion also dissolves leading to secure connection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning head is segmented into a dissolvable cleaning agent portion and a non-dissolvable connecting portion. The connecting portion with its cavity structure remains intact to provide secure attachment to the scrubbing handle, while only the cleaning agent portion dissolves during use, reducing waste without compromising connection security.
3Loss of substance
If the cleaning head is reused multiple times, then waste is reduced, but the connection security deteriorates due to dissolution
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cleaning head into non-dissolvable connecting portions and dissolvable cleaning agent portions, the system enables multiple uses. The connecting portions maintain their structural integrity across multiple uses, allowing the cleaning head to be reused, while the cleaning agent portions dissolve progressively to provide cleaning action without compromising reusability.
4Ease of operation
If a pre-wet packaging is used, then the cleaning agent is built-in for convenience, but the product cannot be reused and requires disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning head combines a non-dissolvable connecting portion for reuse with dissolvable cleaning agent portions for cleaning action. This segmentation allows the product to be used multiple times like pre-wet packaging would allow immediate use, but unlike pre-wet packaging, the connecting portion can be reused across multiple cleaning cycles, reducing waste while maintaining convenience.
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 the cleaning head to be reused multiple times by reshaping it to maintain secure attachment to the handle and provides ongoing cleaning and disinfection within the toilet bowl, reducing waste and extending the life of the cleaning agent.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning head is made of a moldable material that dissolves in water, and the moldable material includes a cleaning agent
Implementation Method 2
the cleaning head is pushed by the handle into the receiving surface causing the shaping tabs to deflect inwardly and compress side walls of the cleaning head to conform the cavity to the projecting portion
Implementation Method 3
material of the cleaning head is forced on either side of one or more of the one or more flexible rings to more securely attach the cleaning head to the handle
Data Source
AI summary
A scrubbing tool system includes a handle, a moldable and dissolvable cleaning head, and a storage and molding device. The handle is for holding by a user in a cleaning operation and has a projecting portion. The moldable and dissolvable cleaning head has a cavity to mate with the projecting portion to attach the cleaning head to the handle. The cleaning head is made of a moldable material that dissolves in water and includes a cleaning agent. The storage and molding device is movable from a storing position to a shaping position to attach the cleaning head to the handle. The storage and molding device has a base, a receiving surface, and a plurality of shaping tabs that connect the receiving surface and the base. The shaping tabs curve up from the receiving surface, thereby forming with the receiving surface a cup in which the cleaning head is received.