Cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cleaning large absorbent and padded surfaces such as yoga mats or weight lifting machines is challenging with conventional methods, as spray bottles add excess liquid and paper towels are wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A modified spray bottle with a rotating sleeve and integrated scrubber, allowing the bottle to function as a rolling cleaner that evenly distributes liquid and includes a reusable absorbent pad for effective cleaning without excess liquid or waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If spray bottles are used to clean yoga mats, then cleaning coverage is improved, but excess liquid is added to the mat
Solution Approach 1:
The spray bottle and roller are merged into a single integrated device. The spray mechanism and roller are combined such that the roller is positioned to contact the mat surface while the spray nozzle directs cleaning solution onto the roller, which then transfers the solution evenly to the mat surface during the rolling motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller acts as an intermediary between the spray bottle and the mat surface. Instead of spraying liquid directly onto the mat, the spray targets the roller first, which then distributes the liquid uniformly across the mat surface through its rolling motion, preventing excess liquid accumulation.
2Productivity
If paper towels are used to clean yoga mats, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller is designed to be self-cleaning through its rolling motion. As the roller moves across the mat surface, the friction and pressure naturally remove accumulated dirt and debris from the roller surface, allowing it to continue effective cleaning without requiring separate cleaning materials like paper towels.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable roller replaces disposable paper towels. The roller can be easily removed, rinsed, and reused multiple times, recovering the cleaning function that would otherwise require continuous consumption of paper towels.
3Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but cleaning thoroughness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spray function and rolling distribution function are merged into one device, maintaining the simplicity of a single-handed operation while achieving thorough cleaning through the combined mechanisms of spraying and rolling distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller's curved surface provides better contact with the mat compared to flat paper towels. The cylindrical shape allows for even pressure distribution and more effective mechanical action on the mat surface, improving cleaning thoroughness while maintaining ease of use.
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
Simplifies the cleaning process by evenly distributing cleaning solution and using a reusable absorbent pad, reducing waste and improving efficiency compared to traditional hand-wiping methods.
Implementation Method 1
The absorbent pad is wrapped around the rotating sleeve... evenly distribute the liquid cleaner
Implementation Method 2
The spray mechanism 30 delivers cleaning solution from within the reservoir container 22 to a workpiece
Implementation Method 3
The scrubber 26, including a scrubber brush 26A mounted in a scrubber cap 26B
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device including a spray bottle, roller, and scrubber apparatus. The roller is positioned about the reservoir of the spray bottle. The removable scrubber is positioned in the base of the spray bottle. The roller uses a washable absorbent pad to clean surfaces with cleaning solution deposited by the spray bottle. The spray mechanism is held in two grips, a spray grip and a reverse grip in order to make use of the spray mechanism and the roller, respectively.