Shower Cleaning Spray Recirculation for Soap Scum Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning bathtub and shower enclosures are labor-intensive and inefficient, as they require regular scrubbing to remove soap scum and mildew, with existing automated systems being impractical, wasteful, and ineffective in removing thick layers of scum.
Innovation Solution
A device that closes the enclosure drain to create a reservoir for run-off cleaner, uses a pump to siphon and recycle the cleaner, and delivers it through spray nozzles for continuous soaking and washing, allowing for automated cleaning with minimal manual effort and reduced cleaner usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual scrubbing is used to remove soap scum, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning by automatically spraying cleaner onto enclosure surfaces and recycling the run-off cleaner without requiring manual scrubbing. The automated spray system continuously applies cleaning solution while the enclosure cleans itself through the chemical action of the cleaner on the soap scum and mildew deposits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical scrubbing action with a fluid-based spray system. Instead of using manual mechanical friction to remove soap scum, the system uses pressurized spray nozzles to deliver cleaner and employs fluid dynamics to circulate and recycle the cleaning solution throughout the enclosure
2Reliability
If conventional spray cleaners are applied and left to dry, then some loosening of scum occurs, but the cleaner is wasted and scum quickly hardens again
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers and recycles the run-off cleaner that would otherwise be wasted down the drain. A pump captures the cleaner-containing run-off water from the enclosure floor, filters out trapped debris, and recirculates the recovered cleaner back through the spray nozzles, eliminating the need to continuously apply fresh cleaner
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous cleaning action by maintaining a constant cycle of spraying cleaner, collecting run-off, recycling the cleaner, and re-spraying. This continuous circulation ensures that cleaning solution is constantly applied to surfaces and that the cleaner remains active on the soap scum throughout the cleaning cycle, preventing re-hardening
3Area of stationary object
If large amounts of water are used to spray down walls with cleaner, then cleaning coverage is improved, but water consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers water containing cleaner from the enclosure floor through a pump and filtration system, then recirculates this recovered water-cleaner mixture back through the spray nozzles. This recycling process eliminates the need to continuously supply large amounts of fresh water, significantly reducing water consumption while maintaining full cleaning coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a closed-loop water system where water is continuously circulated between the spray nozzles and the recovery tank. This continuous circulation allows the same water-cleaner mixture to be applied repeatedly to different areas of the enclosure, providing comprehensive cleaning coverage without proportionally increasing water consumption
4Extent of automation
If existing automated spray devices are used, then automation is achieved, but they are ineffective at removing thick layers of scum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous spraying and recirculation that maintains constant contact between cleaner and soap scum throughout the cleaning cycle. This prolonged, continuous exposure to cleaning solution allows even thick, hardened layers of scum to gradually break down and be removed, overcoming the limitation of brief spray applications in conventional devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies the cleaning process parameters by maintaining continuous spray pressure and extending the duration of cleaner contact with surfaces. The automated system adjusts spray timing, pressure, and recirculation rate to optimize the chemical action of the cleaner on thick soap scum layers, enabling effective removal that conventional brief-spray devices cannot achieve
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 automates the cleaning process, reducing manual labor and cleaner consumption, effectively removing thick soap scum and mildew with a sustainable, continuous spray cycle, making it economically and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
uses a pump to siphon the run-off cleaner out of the created reservoir
Implementation Method 2
uses a pump to siphon and recycle the cleaner, and delivers it through spray nozzles
Implementation Method 3
delivers the run-off cleaner to spray nozzles as needed to create the spray. This spray soaks, dissolves, and washes away the scum
Implementation Method 4
This spray soaks, dissolves, and washes away the scum
Data Source
AI summary
An economical and effective process for the complete removal of soap scum and dirt from surfaces such as those in showers and bathtubs without any scrubbing has been defined in patent application Ser. No. 14/515,740, filed on Oct. 16, 2014, with an amended title of ‘Method for Cleaning Soap Scum from Hard Surfaces’. This patent application defines cleaning devices that make the said process easy, practical, and automated. The said devices employ the previous referenced process and ultimately eliminates the chore of cleaning the showers and bathtubs.