Shoe Sole Cleaning Tray With Aggregate and Debris Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shoe sole cleaning devices are ineffective in removing debris from various types of footwear, particularly failing to address the re-adhesion of debris and clogging issues, and are not suitable for quick, efficient, and cost-effective cleaning across different environments.
Innovation Solution
A footwear cleaning device comprising a lower tray for cleaning liquid and an upper tray for cleaning aggregate, with holes for fluid communication, allowing detritus to be stored beneath the aggregate, preventing contamination, and featuring a supporting means to maintain cleanliness and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a flat scraping surface with cubelet foramina is used, then debris removal from sole surface is improved, but debris clogging in foramina occurs and re-adhesion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning surface is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first cleaning zone with aggregate material for initial debris removal, and a second cleaning zone with foramina structure for deeper groove cleaning. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without the drawbacks of the other, preventing debris re-adhesion while maintaining high removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat scraping surface to a three-dimensional structure with vertical foramina channels. These channels extend into the scraping surface, providing depth dimension for debris ejection pathways. Debris is channeled through the foramina and ejected onto a collection surface, preventing re-adhesion to the sole.
2Productivity
If bristles are used to invade sole grooves for debris removal, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but bristles buckle under user weight and become clogged with mud
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses aggregate material (such as crushed stone, gravel, or sand) as the cleaning medium in the first cleaning zone. This aggregate can be easily replenished or replaced when worn or clogged, avoiding the durability issues of bristles. The aggregate performs the mechanical cleaning function without suffering from buckling or permanent deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraping surface incorporates foramina (holes or channels) that allow cleaning liquid to penetrate through to the second cleaning zone. This porous structure enables dual-zone cleaning: aggregate in the first zone handles surface debris, while the foramina-delivered liquid and second zone materials clean deeper groove areas, replacing the need for bristle invasion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cleaning liquid is stored in a lower compartment, then reusable water cleaning is enabled, but contamination of cleaning liquid by detritus occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid storage system is segmented into a first liquid compartment for clean cleaning liquid storage and a second liquid compartment (or collection area) for detritus-containing liquid. This segmentation prevents contamination of the reusable cleaning liquid while allowing the cleaning process to proceed with liquid reuse, as clean liquid can be replenished from the first compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The foramina structure acts as an intermediary between the cleaning zones and the liquid compartments. Cleaning liquid is delivered through the foramina to the cleaning zones, and the resulting dirty liquid is collected separately. This intermediary delivery system enables liquid reuse without direct contact between clean liquid and detritus, preventing contamination.
4Productivity
If a complex mat structure with bristles is used, then debris removal from grooves is improved, but production cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a porous foramina structure integrated into the scraping surface, which is simpler to manufacture than complex bristle mat structures. The foramina can be formed through standard molding or drilling processes, allowing cleaning liquid penetration and enabling effective groove cleaning without requiring intricate bristle arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraping surface with foramina serves multiple functions: mechanical scraping by aggregate, liquid delivery through foramina, and debris ejection onto collection surface. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate bristle components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective groove cleaning capability.
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 effectively removes detritus from footwear soles, preventing re-adhesion and contamination, while being suitable for various footwear types and environments, including those without constant water supply, and is easy to maintain.
Implementation Method 1
the upper tray includes one or more holes communicate between the first and second compartments
Implementation Method 2
an upper tray having a bottom wall and one or more side walls which define a second compartment for cleaning aggregate
Implementation Method 3
effective at removing detritus from the soles of footwear
Implementation Method 4
storing said detritus in the lower tray beneath the cleaning aggregate so as to avoid contamination
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a shoe sole cleaning device (10) comprising a lower tray (20) having a bottom wall (22) and one or more side walls (24) which define a first compartment (V1) for cleaning liquid, and an upper tray (30) having a bottom wall (32) and one or more side walls (34) which define a second compartment (V2) for pebbles or crushed stone. The upper tray (30) is shaped and dimensioned such that at least a part thereof is accommodated in the first compartment (V1) of the lower tray (20). The upper tray (30) includes one or more holes (36) communicate between the first and second compartments (V1, V2).