Self-Adhering Cleaning Block with Handle for Continuous Bathroom Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-adhering cleaning blocks for bathroom surfaces require manual application and often rely on disposable applicators, which can be inconvenient and environmentally unfriendly, and may not provide continuous cleaning due to inconsistent adhesion and release of cleaning agents.
Innovation Solution
A self-adhering cleaning block design featuring a first surface for adhesion, a second surface with a handle for easy application without hand proximity, and a uniform material composition including non-ionic or solid anionic surfactants, which adheres to surfaces and releases cleaning agents incrementally with water flow, eliminating the need for disposable applicators and ensuring continuous cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If disposable applicators are used for applying cleaning blocks, then application convenience is improved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates and waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the disposable applicator component from the system entirely. The cleaning block is designed to be applied directly to the surface without any applicator, eliminating the source of waste while maintaining ease of application through the block's self-adhering properties and ergonomic shape
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning block is designed to be self-applied directly to the surface using its own structure and adhesion properties. The block's shape and material composition enable it to stick to itself and the target surface without requiring external applicators, making the system self-sufficient and waste-free
2Reliability
If manual reapplication is required for cleaning, then initial adhesion is achieved, but continuous cleaning effectiveness deteriorates and user time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning block is designed to provide continuous cleaning action over time. It maintains adhesion to the surface while gradually releasing cleaning agents through controlled disintegration, ensuring uninterrupted cleaning effectiveness without requiring manual reapplication. The block's composition allows it to slowly dissolve and release surfactants continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning block is pre-formulated with cleaning agents and adhesion properties that enable it to immediately upon application begin continuous cleaning action. The block is prepared in advance with the optimal balance of adhesion and disintegration rates to ensure continuous effectiveness from the moment of application
3Manufacturing precision
If hand proximity is required for block application, then precise placement is achieved, but user safety and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a handle or protrusion feature as an intermediary between the user's hand and the cleaning block body. This allows the user to grasp and position the block from a distance, avoiding direct contact with the adhesive surface or cleaning agents while maintaining precise placement capability through the extended grip point
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
The solution allows for efficient, continuous cleaning of bathroom surfaces without manual reapplication, enhancing adhesion and the release of cleaning agents with each flush, while reducing waste and improving user convenience and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
self-adhering cleaning block design featuring a first surface for adhesion
Implementation Method 2
the material composition of the block may include a non-ionic surfactant and a liquid component. In various examples, the material composition includes a solid anionic surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
A self-adhering cleaning block is disclosed. In some embodiments, the self-adhering cleaning block includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a handle extending out from a part of the second surface, where the material composition of the block may be essentially uniform, and where the material composition of the block may further comprise a non-ionic surfactant and a liquid component. In addition, a cleaning article including a self-adhering cleaning block is disclosed. Moreover, a method is disclosed. In certain examples the method comprises mixing a non-ionic surfactant and a liquid component to form an essentially uniform cleaning composition, and then extruding, pressing or casting the cleaning composition to form a cleaning block having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a handle extending out from a part of the second surface.