Shoe Care Applicator With Roll-On Dosing and Leak-Safe Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe cleaning devices lack precision in substance application, often resulting in excessive use and difficulty in reaching all areas of the shoe, with poor ergonomics and no indicator for remaining substance, leading to inefficiency and waste.
Innovation Solution
A device with a transparent reservoir and dispenser means integrated into the cover, allowing precise dosing and application of conditioning substance directly onto the applicator, which can be reused or reloaded, featuring ergonomic design and adaptable geometry for easy access to all shoe areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sponge is directly impregnated with polishing substance during storage, then the substance is readily available for application, but the device becomes heavy and prone to leakage requiring stable positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: the applicator sponge and the polishing substance reservoir are kept separate during storage. The sponge only receives substance during the opening operation, not during storage, eliminating the need for pre-impregnation and reducing device weight and leakage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser mechanism is pre-positioned and activated automatically when the device is opened. The substance is dispensed onto the sponge at the moment of opening, preparing it for immediate use without requiring pre-impregnation during storage.
2Ease of operation
If the sponge is pressed manually to release substance, then the user has control over application, but the dosing is imprecise and excessive application occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser mechanism automatically controls the dosing of polishing substance onto the sponge when the device is opened. The system serves itself by mechanically actuating the dispenser through the opening motion, eliminating the need for manual pressing and ensuring precise, consistent dosing without user intervention.
3Productivity
If the sponge is made large to cover shoe surfaces, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the device cannot reach nooks and pleats of the shoe
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator sponge is divided into multiple smaller sections or segments, each capable of reaching different areas of the shoe. This segmentation allows the device to maintain high productivity through multiple applicators while simultaneously improving adaptability to reach nooks, pleats, and contours of various shoe designs.
4Loss of information
If the reservoir is made transparent to show remaining substance, then the user can monitor substance level, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir incorporates a transparent or translucent section that allows visual monitoring of the polishing substance level. This simple optical solution provides real-time information about remaining substance without adding mechanical complexity, sensors, or electronic components to the device structure.
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
Ensures accurate and efficient application of the right amount of substance, reducing waste and facilitating easy use on any shoe surface without leakage, while allowing for easy reloading and storage without excess substance loss.
Implementation Method 1
a ball-shaped spongy element which acts in a roll-on fashion in order to achieve a completely uniform impregnation of the substance into the applicator and onto the shoe
Implementation Method 2
The applicator sponge, usually made of polyurethane, can be incorporated in a cover included in the shoe-cleaning device and directly impregnated with the polishing or dying substance
Data Source
AI summary
The device comprises an applicator (2) and a cover (5) configured to be adaptable on the applicator (2), the external face (3) of which is impregnated with conditioning substance for shoes by rolling dispenser means (10) incorporated in the internal face (9) of the cover (5), which includes a reservoir (4) with such substance. The substance dosing is produced on opening the device, the applicator (2) sliding, via some guides (8) arranged on the lateral face (7) of the cover (5), over the dispenser means (10) which apply an optimum quantity of substance to the external face (3) of the applicator (2), with which the footwear is subsequently rubbed to clean it. When used, the device is closed by transversely coupling the applicator (2) inside the cover (5), preferably of plastic with transparent reservoir (4). For convenience, the device can incorporate an ergonomic handle (1) joined to the applicator (2).