Shoe sole cleaning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe sole cleaning devices are ineffective in removing dirt and debris embedded in shoe treads and are often bulky, wasteful, and require complex operations.
Innovation Solution
A portable, easy-to-use shoe sole cleaning device with a molded plastic housing, water jets, and sensors for automatic operation, which uses high-pressure water sprays to clean the underside and sides of shoes, including embedded dirt and debris, while being economical and easy to maintain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a rotating brush immersed in water is used to clean shoes, then the cleaning mechanism is simple, but it is not effective to clean dirt and debris stuck to bottom of shoes or boots
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into multiple functional segments: a rotating brush for general cleaning, fixed brushes mounted on side rails for targeted cleaning of embedded debris, and a sieve platform with sponges for water removal. Each segment performs a specific cleaning function that addresses different types of dirt accumulation patterns on footwear.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable scraper grate is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotating brush and the footwear. This grate supports the shoe above the water while allowing engagement with the brush, and provides mounting for fixed brushes that directly contact embedded debris on the shoe bottom and sides.
2Reliability
If a washing tank with turbulent water flow is used to remove dirt from shoes, then dirt removal capability is improved, but the device becomes bulky and consumes large amounts of water
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential cleaning function from a bulky washing tank system. Instead of using a large container with turbulent water flow, the device uses a compact housing with a rotating brush and minimal water reservoir, achieving effective dirt removal through mechanical action rather than water volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes a hydraulic principle by immersing the rotating brush in a small amount of water, where the water acts as a lubricant and carries away loosened debris. The fixed brushes on side rails provide mechanical scraping action that removes embedded dirt without requiring large volumes of water.
3Reliability
If a washing tank system is used for cleaning shoes, then cleaning capability is improved, but water wastage increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process uses periodic rotation of the brush, which dips into water at regular intervals to pick up lubrication and cleaning solution, then rotates above the water level to clean the footwear. This periodic immersion and cleaning cycle minimizes water consumption while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sieve platform with sponges recovers and retains cleaning water after use, allowing it to be reused for subsequent cleaning operations. This water recovery system significantly reduces water wastage by preventing clean water from being discarded with the dirty footwear.
4Area of stationary object
If a large rotating brush is used to clean all surfaces of shoes, then coverage is improved, but the device becomes unwieldy and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is segmented into multiple smaller components: a central rotating brush for general surface cleaning and smaller fixed brushes mounted on side rails for targeted cleaning of the shoe bottom and sides. This segmentation provides comprehensive coverage while keeping each component manageable in size and easy to operate.
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
Effectively removes grass, snow, and dirt from shoe soles without excessive water usage, providing a safe, non-toxic, and convenient cleaning solution for both home and public use.
Implementation Method 1
uses high-pressure water sprays to clean the underside and sides of shoes, including embedded dirt and debris
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe sole cleaning device is disclosed. The shoe sole cleaning device comprises a housing; a shoe receiving arrangement provided on the housing to receive one or more shoes therein; and a cleaning mechanism comprising a plurality of water jets arranged in the shoe receiving arrangement. The plurality of water jets are adapted to provide water sprays towards bottom of soles of the one or more shoes received in the shoe receiving arrangement for cleaning thereof.