Sponge with Integrated Scraper Blade for Stubborn Residue Removal

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sponges lack an integrated scraping element to efficiently remove stubborn substances from surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A sponge with a permanently affixed scraper blade, allowing for efficient removal of difficult-to-remove substances by combining the scraping action with traditional wiping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a sponge is used alone, then soft surfaces can be cleaned, but stubborn substances cannot be effectively removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidability to remove different types of substances

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a scraper blade and a sponge into a single integrated cleaning tool. The scraper blade is permanently affixed to one edge of the sponge, creating a unified device that can handle both soft and stubborn substances. This merging eliminates the need to switch between separate tools and provides comprehensive cleaning capability in one instrument.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device performs multiple functions: the sponge portion handles soft surfaces and general cleaning, while the scraper blade portion tackles stubborn substances and hard-to-remove residues. This multi-functional design allows a single tool to address various cleaning scenarios that previously required multiple separate tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a scraper blade is used alone, then stubborn substances can be removed, but soft surface cleaning is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to remove different types of substancesVSAvoidcleaning efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a scraper blade and a sponge into a single integrated cleaning tool. The scraper blade is permanently affixed to one edge of the sponge, creating a unified device that can handle both soft and stubborn substances. This merging eliminates the need to switch between separate tools and provides comprehensive cleaning capability in one instrument.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device performs multiple functions: the sponge portion handles soft surfaces and general cleaning, while the scraper blade portion tackles stubborn substances and hard-to-remove residues. This multi-functional design allows a single tool to address various cleaning scenarios that previously required multiple separate tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate cleaning tools are used for different substances, then each substance type can be addressed, but the cleaning process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to remove different types of substancesVSAvoidtime required for cleaning process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a scraper blade and a sponge into a single integrated cleaning tool. The scraper blade is permanently affixed to one edge of the sponge, creating a unified device that can handle both soft and stubborn substances. This merging eliminates the need to switch between separate tools and provides comprehensive cleaning capability in one instrument.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device performs multiple functions: the sponge portion handles soft surfaces and general cleaning, while the scraper blade portion tackles stubborn substances and hard-to-remove residues. This multi-functional design allows a single tool to address various cleaning scenarios that previously required multiple separate tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250255449A1System for Cleaning Surfaces

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 SALINAS ROBERT VALENTIN

AI summary

The present invention is a sponge with a permanently affixed scraper blade, known hereon after as the scraping element, preferably attached at one of the edges of the sponge. The present invention pertains to sponges and scraper blades. The effect of the use of this product is to allow the user to clean with more efficiency by allowing the user to get rid of harder to remove substances from surfaces with the scraping element while also allowing the user to wipe down or clean surface with the sponge. The present invention places a scraper blade permanently affixed to a sponge. This allows the user of the product to clean surfaces with more efficiency.