Article for scrubbing and cleaning hard surfaces and a method for use thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices face challenges in effectively dispensing a metered dose of cleaning composition onto hard surfaces, especially when the delivery channel and dispensing orifice are in a horizontal orientation, and they often suffer from contamination due to backflow of water or cleaning solution, particularly in high humidity environments like showers.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a sealed container housing and a pump assembly that includes a one-way valve, allowing for the dispensing of a metered dose of cleaning composition onto a substrate attached to the device, which can be used at various orientations without relying on gravity, preventing backflow and contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a horizontal dispensing orifice is used for dispensing cleaning composition, then the device can be used at various orientations without relying on gravity, but the dispensing effectiveness deteriorates due to difficulty in dispensing composition when the delivery channel and dispensing orifice are horizontal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage orientationVSAvoiddispensing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pump assembly uses a reciprocating piston mechanism that moves back and forth to create pressure differential, forcing the cleaning composition through the horizontal dispensing orifice in reverse of normal gravity-dependent flow. This inversion of the dispensing mechanism allows effective dispensing regardless of device orientation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces gravity-dependent passive dispensing systems with an active mechanical pump assembly that uses a reciprocating piston and check valves to mechanically force the cleaning composition through the horizontal orifice, eliminating reliance on gravitational force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the device is used in high humidity environments like showers, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but contamination occurs due to backflow of water or cleaning solution into the reservoir

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcontamination prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pump assembly incorporates check valves positioned to prevent backflow of water or cleaning solution into the reservoir before contamination can occur. The one-way valve design allows fluid to flow only in the intended direction, blocking any reverse flow that could cause contamination in high humidity environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The pump assembly acts as an intermediary barrier between the external high humidity environment and the internal reservoir, using check valves to mediate fluid flow and prevent harmful backflow while allowing controlled dispensing of cleaning composition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a sealed container housing is used to prevent contamination, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sealing mechanisms and one-way valves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidpump assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the reciprocating piston mechanism simultaneously controls dispensing flow, prevents backflow through integrated check valves, and maintains sealing within the container housing. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining contamination prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device ensures effective and controlled dispensing of cleaning composition onto hard surfaces, preventing contamination and maintaining adhesive integrity in high humidity environments, allowing for efficient cleaning of surfaces during or after showering without skin irritation.

Implementation Method 1

A pump assembly may be at least partially disposed within the container housing and be in fluid communication with the cleaning composition within the reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

The pump assembly may include a one-way valve to prevent such backflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOne-way valve: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS10576509B2Article for scrubbing and cleaning hard surfaces and a method for use thereof

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 THE CLOROX CO

AI summary

An all-in-one cleaning device, e.g., such as may be used in cleaning the inside of a shower. The device may provide the ability to dispense the composition carried within the device itself, and scrub the composition into or against the surfaces to be cleaned (e.g., shower walls, floors, corners, etc.). Activation of the dispensing mechanism of the cleaning device may dispense a metered dose of composition, in a generally horizontal direction, onto and/or into a nonwoven or other substrate. The dispensing mechanism may not rely on gravity for dispensing, and may be sealed to prevent unwanted backflow of shower water or other material, preventing contamination.