Single-Dose Self-Adhesive Applicator for Hygienic Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-adhesive material delivery systems for bathroom appliances are cumbersome and wasteful, requiring upfront investment and complex operation, with residual agent inventory issues and difficulty in delivering single or smaller doses effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact applicator with a handle and inner recess for self-adhesive material, featuring a cover that seals the material and allows for easy release onto a surface, ensuring the adhesive force between the applicator and material is less than between the material and the surface, facilitating efficient and hygienic application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a dispenser with inventory of self-adhesive agent is used, then automatic or continuous cleaning is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires upfront investment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable applicator units that are simple, single-use devices containing a self-adhesive cleaning agent. Each applicator is designed to be applied once and then discarded, eliminating the need for complex reusable dispensers while achieving automatic cleaning functionality. The applicator includes a backing layer with adhesive properties that allows it to be mounted directly on the cleaning surface without requiring sophisticated dispensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is divided into individual, separate applicator units rather than a single complex dispenser. Each applicator is an independent unit that can be manufactured, stored, and applied separately, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining automated cleaning capability.
2Quantity of substance
If a dispenser with controlled unitized doses is used, then product delivery is controlled, but operation becomes difficult and residual agent is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed to automatically deliver the correct amount of cleaning agent through its own structure. The self-adhesive material is contained within the applicator body at a predetermined quantity, and the application process itself controls the transfer of the agent to the surface, eliminating the need for complex dosing mechanisms or user intervention to control the amount applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator is designed as a single-use device that is discarded after one application, ensuring that the precise amount of cleaning agent contained within is fully utilized without residual waste. There is no need to recover or store remaining agent because the entire quantity is transferred during the single application cycle.
3Extent of automation
If self-adhesive material is applied directly to surface, then automatic cleaning is achieved, but consumer must handle un-hygienic surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator serves as an intermediary carrier between the cleaning agent and the surface. The consumer handles only the applicator during application, which remains clean and contained, while the self-adhesive cleaning agent is transferred to the surface through the applicator's adhesive properties. This eliminates direct contact between the consumer's hands and the un-hygienic surface while still achieving automatic cleaning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator is a disposable device that protects the consumer from hygiene contamination during application. By using a single-use applicator rather than reusable hands or tools, the system maintains hygiene while achieving automatic cleaning, as the applicator is discarded after one use rather than requiring cleaning or sterilization.
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 applicator enables easy, efficient, and hygienic delivery of self-adhesive materials in single doses, reducing waste and operational complexity while ensuring effective adhesion to surfaces, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the inner surface releasably adhere the applicator side of the self-adhesive material where the adhesive force between the portion of the inner surface and the applicator side being less than adhesive force between the substrate and the substrate side
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator, related applicator system, and a method for delivering a self-adhesive material are provided. The applicator includes an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface of the applicator defines a void that is operable to receive the self-adhesive material. At least a portion of the inner surface releasably adhere the applicator side of the self-adhesive material where the adhesive force between the portion of the inner surface and the applicator side being less than adhesive force between the substrate and the substrate side. The applicator is used by placing the applicator in contact with a substrate, pressing the applicator against the substrate such that the self-adhesive material adheres to the substrate, and releasing the applicator from the substrate.