Dusting devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handheld dusting devices with non-woven polymeric cleaning pads require frequent replacement, leading to high costs and environmental concerns, as well as reduced appeal due to the need for constant disposal.

Innovation Solution

A handheld dusting device featuring a flexible spine with a washable and reusable microfiber bundle secured by a seam, providing enhanced dust collection functionality similar to feather dusters, with the microfiber bundle being flexible, washable, and reusable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If non-woven polymeric cleaning pads are used, then the dusting device can be manufactured simply, but the cleaning pads must be frequently replaced, increasing cost and environmental impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcleaning pad replacement frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from non-woven polymeric material to microfiber material, which fundamentally alters the cleaning mechanism. Microfiber's finer fiber structure and electrostatic properties enable it to trap and hold dust particles more effectively, allowing the cleaning member to be washed and reused multiple times rather than discarded after single use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite construction by combining microfiber material with a flexible spine structure. This composite approach creates a durable cleaning member that maintains its functional properties through repeated washing, eliminating the need for frequent replacement while keeping manufacturing relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Device complexity

If non-woven polymeric cleaning pads are used, then the device structure can be simple, but the cleaning pads cannot be washed and reused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidcleaning member reusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from non-woven polymeric material to microfiber material, which fundamentally alters the cleaning mechanism. Microfiber's finer fiber structure and electrostatic properties enable it to trap and hold dust particles more effectively, allowing the cleaning member to be washed and reused multiple times rather than discarded after single use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite construction by combining microfiber material with a flexible spine structure. This composite approach creates a durable cleaning member that maintains its functional properties through repeated washing, eliminating the need for frequent replacement while keeping manufacturing relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If microfiber bundle is permanently secured to flexible spine, then the cleaning member becomes washable and reusable, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning member reusabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cleaning member into distinct segments: the flexible spine structure and the microfiber bundle. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using optimized processes, then assembled through permanent attachment. The spine can be manufactured using injection molding or similar processes, while the microfiber bundle is prepared separately and then permanently secured to the spine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The microfiber bundle is prepared and pre-formed before being attached to the spine. This preliminary preparation allows the microfiber to be arranged in the optimal configuration for dust collection before permanent attachment, ensuring that the cleaning member achieves its full functional potential while simplifying the final assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 device offers improved dust collection capabilities while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly, as the microfiber bundle can be washed and reused multiple times, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Implementation Method 1

the microfiber bundle and spine combine to form a flexible, washable, and reusable 'microfiber feather,' which provides the dusting device of the present application with the enhanced dust collection functionality of typical microfiber fabrics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

The cleaning member is comprised of a microfiber bundle, which when combined with the spine allow the dusting device to function in a similar, but improved, manner as common feather dusters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

The spine provides a resilient flexibility to the cleaning member such that the spine flexes as pressure is applied, but at least partially returns to an original shape upon removal of the pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10952587B2Dusting devices

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 UNGER MARKETING INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

A dusting device is provided that has at least one cleaning member with a microfiber bundle secured to a spine by a seam. The spine provides a resilient flexibility to the cleaning member such that the spine flexes as pressure is applied, but at least partially returns to an original shape upon removal of the pressure.