Multi-Surface Sponge Geometry for Cleaning Corners and Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning sponges struggle to effectively reach into corners and along edges for scrubbing and cleaning due to their design limitations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-surface sponge product with a foraminous and abrasive portion, configured as parallel layers forming a unitary block with angled ends, allowing effective contact with edges and corners for cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional sponge design is used, then the sponge structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sponge cannot effectively reach into corners and along edges for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The sponge is divided into multiple functional segments including a first portion with first cleaning surfaces and a second portion with second cleaning surfaces, where the segments are oriented at different angles to enable access to corners and edges while maintaining a manageable overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The sponge employs asymmetric geometry with cleaning surfaces positioned at different orientations and angles, allowing the device to effectively reach into corners and along edges while the asymmetric distribution of cleaning surfaces optimizes cleaning capability in hard-to-reach areas
2Productivity
If the sponge has multiple cleaning surfaces at different orientations, then cleaning effectiveness in corners and edges is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sponge is constructed by joining a first portion and a second portion together, where each portion can be manufactured separately with its specific cleaning surfaces and then assembled, allowing for optimized manufacturing of each segment while achieving high overall cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second portions of the sponge are joined together to form a unified multi-surface structure that combines multiple cleaning surfaces at different orientations, achieving enhanced cleaning effectiveness in corners and edges while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-surface sponge product includes a foraminous portion adhered to an abrasive portion to form a unitary product, each portion and the resulting product having a pair of sidewalls and in cross-section or side elevation having the form of a parallelogram. The sidewalls form gripping areas and the angled forward and reward end opposite ends of the parallelogram shaped body form wedges. The multi-surface body is low profile and various edges and corners thereof enable the foraminous and abrasive portions to be selectively used to engage corners of many differently configured surfaces to be cleaned, to either scrub the surface or simply clean or absorb fluid, depending on which portion of the product is emplaced in the edge or in a corner.