Refillable Soap Scrubber With One-Way Valve Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body scrubbers require separate manual dispensing of liquid soap, which can be inconvenient and wasteful, lacking a integrated solution for soap storage and dispensing directly onto the scrubber element.
Innovation Solution
A soap-dispensing body scrubber with a refillable top cap containing a one-way valve that dispenses liquid soap onto an attached scrubber element, either through a depressible button or squeezable mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate soap container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate container of liquid soap is used within the shower, then the soap can be stored and dispensed, but it occupies additional space and requires manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid soap reservoir, dispensing valve, and scrubber element into a single integrated body scrubber device. The reservoir is formed within the scrubber body itself, eliminating the need for a separate soap container and reducing the number of components the user must handle during showering.
Solution Approach 2:
The scrubber body serves multiple functions: it acts as both the cleaning tool (scrubber element) and the storage container (reservoir) for liquid soap. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate soap storage while maintaining ease of use during bathing.
2Loss of substance
If liquid soap is manually dispensed onto the scrubber, then the user has control over soap application, but it can be wasteful and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The scrubber device is designed to self-dose with liquid soap through an integrated reservoir and dispensing valve system. The valve automatically controls the flow of soap onto the scrubber element when the user squeezes or presses the scrubber, eliminating manual dispensing and preventing waste by providing only the needed amount.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid soap is pre-stored in the reservoir within the scrubber body, ready for immediate dispensing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate soap bottles and manual pouring, allowing the user to simply squeeze the scrubber to receive the pre-measured amount of soap needed.
3Device complexity
If a refillable reservoir is integrated into the scrubber, then soap storage is consolidated, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid soap reservoir is nested within the scrubber body structure, with the reservoir cavity formed inside the hollow body. The dispensing valve is integrated into the base of the reservoir, and the scrubber element is positioned to receive soap from below. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple functions within a single molded structure, simplifying manufacturing despite the integrated complexity.
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 a convenient, continuous soap supply directly to the scrubber element during use, enhancing cleaning efficiency and reducing waste by integrating soap storage and dispensing within the device.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is disposed along the planar lower surface of the top cap or along the base thereof. The valve allows liquid soap to dispense therethrough and from the interior volume of the top cap.
Implementation Method 2
The depressible button pressurizing the open interior of the top cap to force liquid soap stored within its interior volume through the one-way valve.
Implementation Method 3
the top cap further comprises a squeezable material such that squeezing the top cap forces liquid soap stored within the interior volume of the top cap through the one-way valve of the base.
Data Source
AI summary
A soap dispensing scrubber device is provided. The device comprises a top cap that is fillable with a liquid soap and a scrubber element removably attached thereto. The top cap comprises a squeezable material or one that is rigid with a dispensing button therealong. Liquid soap stored within the interior of the top cap is dispensed through a one-way valve along the lower end of the top cap. In one embodiment, the top cap is affixed to a base-lid assembly that supports the one-way valve. The base of the base-lid assembly is secured to the top cap and the base supports a hingedly attached lid therefrom. The base provides a fill hole and the lid secures thereover. The scrubber element is preferably affixed to the base a male snap coupler member, while in other embodiments the scrubber element secures to the base via one or more tabs.