Stain removal accessory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stain removal methods require filling containers with liquid bleach, which is inconvenient and poses safety risks, and often necessitate washing entire garments, rather than targeting specific stain areas.
Innovation Solution
A stain removal accessory with a container holding a solid stain removing material, such as sodium percarbonate, that dissolves in water or steam to release hydrogen peroxide or peroxy acid, allowing for targeted stain removal without the need for pre-filling bleach solutions and minimizing garment washing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid bleach is used for stain removal, then stain removal effectiveness is improved, but user safety and convenience deteriorate due to handling risks and filling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-filling the container with solid stain removing material (sodium percarbonate) during manufacturing. Users simply attach the pre-filled container to the device without handling liquid bleach, eliminating filling operations and associated safety risks while maintaining effective stain removal through controlled chemical release during use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable pre-filled containers containing solid stain removing material. Each container is sealed and ready-to-use, eliminating the need for reusable containers that require filling and cleaning. The disposable nature ensures consistent performance and eliminates user exposure to chemical handling risks
2Reliability
If liquid bleach is used for stain removal, then cleaning capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to filling mechanisms and safety features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stain removal system into a reusable device body and disposable pre-filled containers. This segmentation transfers the complexity of chemical containment and dosing to the disposable container component, keeping the main device simple and reducing overall system complexity for the user
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the chemical storage and dosing function into separate disposable containers that attach to the device. This extraction removes the need for integrated filling mechanisms, seals, and safety features in the main device, significantly reducing its complexity while maintaining effective stain removal capability
3Reliability
If traditional stain removal methods are used, then comprehensive cleaning is achieved, but time and effort increase due to washing entire garments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering stain removing material directly to the stained area through the device's application mechanism. The chemical solution is targeted precisely where needed on the garment, enabling effective stain removal without requiring immersion or washing of the entire garment, thus reducing time and water consumption
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 solution provides a convenient, safe, and efficient method for removing stains by pre-filling the accessory with bleach-like chemicals, allowing for localized treatment without the need for extensive washing, reducing user risk and effort.
Implementation Method 1
dissolves in water or steam to release hydrogen peroxide or peroxy acid
Implementation Method 2
sodium percarbonate that dissolves in water or steam to release hydrogen peroxide or peroxy acid
Implementation Method 3
release hydrogen peroxide or peroxy acid, allowing for targeted stain removal
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 13
AI summary
Stain removal accessory (171) intended to cooperate with a stain removal device (1) for treating a stained area, the stain removal accessory (171) is attached to the front head of the stain removal device (1), namely to the water and/or steam venting face of said stain removal device (1), and comprises a container (400) like a pad, a cartridge, a sachet or a capsule provided with a permeable external layer, for containing a stain removing material (300), and a holder (600) for holding said container (400), whereby said stain removal accessory (171) is adapted to release said stain removing material (300) on the stained area when cooperating with the stain removal device (1) by facing the flow of water and/or steam (200) generated by said stain removal device (1).