Flexible Sink Edge Guard With Suction-Cup Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge protection solutions for sinks and surfaces are not securely attached, can be easily damaged or pose choking hazards, and lack durability and ease of use, storage, and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A pliable protective guard with a cushioned middle section and suction cups on a smooth, flat bottom surface, made from flexible silicone or rubber-like material, designed to bend around edges and corners, and customizable for various sizes, featuring decorative designs and optional toy attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If double sided adhesive tape is used to attach the edge guard, then the guard can be easily installed, but the bond strength is insufficient and the guard can be easily removed by children
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism of adhesive tape with a mechanical suction cup system. The suction cups create a vacuum seal against the smooth surface of the sink or counter edge, providing strong holding power that cannot be easily overcome by children pulling or tugging. This mechanical attachment method maintains ease of installation while dramatically improving bond strength and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles through the use of suction cups that create a vacuum seal against the smooth surface. The suction cups leverage atmospheric pressure to hold the edge guard firmly in place, providing a reliable attachment that combines easy installation with strong bonding capability. The pneumatic mechanism allows for simple attachment and detachment while maintaining secure fixation during use.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If foam padding is used to protect the edge, then the edge is cushioned, but the foam can be ripped apart or chewed on by babies creating a choking hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials construction with an outer shell made from durable, tear-resistant material and an inner cushioning core. This composite structure provides both the protective cushioning function and the durability needed to prevent choking hazards. The outer shell prevents the inner foam from being accessed while maintaining the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible outer shell or skin that encases the cushioning material. This shell is designed to be tear-resistant and difficult to chew through, preventing babies from accessing the inner foam while still allowing the edge guard to flex and conform to the edge shape. The flexible shell maintains protection functionality while eliminating the choking hazard associated with exposed foam.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If towels are used to cover the edge, then the edge is protected, but the towels are not secured and can be pulled into the sink creating a wet mess
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the unstable gravitational attachment of draped towels with a mechanical suction cup system that actively adheres to the smooth surface. The suction cups provide secure attachment that prevents the protective material from being pulled into the sink, eliminating the wet mess problem while maintaining edge protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cup attachment system is self-securing, requiring no additional fastening mechanisms or human intervention to maintain attachment. Once applied, the suction cups automatically hold the edge guard in place through vacuum pressure, providing stable protection without the need for tying, taping, or other secondary attachment methods.
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
Provides secure, durable, and easy-to-clean protection against accidental impacts, suitable for various surfaces, and can be easily stored and reused, while being safe for children and dishwasher-friendly.
Implementation Method 1
A pliable protective guard that can bend around and temporarily attach, via suction cups, to a smooth hard surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for protecting an infant or small child from injury in the event of unintentional impact with a hard edge or corner. The invention is a pliable guard which can bend around an edge, and adhere to a smooth hard surface via suction cups which are included and positioned periodically along the underside of the guard. The protective guard is comprised of a top surface, bottom surface, and a cushioned middle section which acts as the protective barrier against the edge or corner being covered. The invention is intended for use along the edges of a kitchen sink to protect a child from injury during bath time, or along any edge or corner that may pose a potential risk of injury upon impact to children or adults.