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 they often require excessive liquid and wasteful materials like spray bottles and paper towels.
Innovation Solution
A modified spray bottle with a rotating sleeve and absorbent pad that combines the cleaning solution delivery and application, allowing for even distribution and absorption, simplifying the cleaning process by using the bottle as a rolling tool to spread the cleaner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If spray bottles are used to clean large surfaces, then cleaning coverage is improved, but excessive liquid is added to the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spray bottle and roller into a single integrated cleaning device. The spray mechanism and roller are merged such that the spray bottle body serves as the roller axis, and the roller is positioned at the bottom of the bottle. This merging allows the liquid to be sprayed and immediately absorbed/distributed by the roller, preventing excessive liquid accumulation on the surface while maintaining wide cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller acts as an intermediary between the spray mechanism and the cleaning surface. Instead of liquid being directly applied to the large surface area, the roller serves as a mediating element that receives the liquid and distributes it evenly. This intermediary function controls liquid quantity while maintaining effective cleaning coverage.
2Quantity of substance
If paper towels are used for cleaning, then absorption capability is improved, but material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller with its absorbent material serves itself by being reusable. After absorbing liquid and cleaning the surface, the roller can be rinsed and reused multiple times. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for continuous consumption of disposable paper towels, reducing material waste while maintaining absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding paper towels after single use, the patent implements a reusable roller that can be recovered, rinsed, and reused. The absorbent material on the roller is recovered and reused multiple times, transforming a disposable solution into a sustainable one that maintains absorption capability without generating continuous waste.
3Ease of operation
If manual wiping is used, then cleaning control is improved, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling action provides mechanical motion that automatically distributes cleaning solution and lifts dirt from the surface. This mechanical action reduces the need for intensive manual wiping while maintaining cleaning control. The roller's rotation creates the necessary mechanical force to clean large surfaces efficiently with minimal labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from static manual wiping to dynamic rolling motion. The roller can be easily rolled across large surfaces, providing dynamic cleaning action that covers more area with less effort. This dynamic approach maintains cleaning control while significantly reducing labor intensity compared to traditional manual wiping.
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
This solution effectively reduces the need for manual wiping and minimizes waste by evenly distributing cleaning solutions and utilizing a reusable absorbent pad, making the cleaning process more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
A modified spray bottle with a rotating sleeve and absorbent pad that combines the cleaning solution delivery and application, allowing for even distribution and absorption
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.