Integrated Wipe Holder Reservoir for Compact Cleaning Fluid Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning fluid and wipe storage and dispensing devices are separate, leading to cumbersome use and inefficient fluid reservoir capacity, with existing combined devices being too tall, fragile, and requiring frequent refills, while also being incompatible with generic wipes.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device integrating a hollow inner and outer longitudinal portion with a base to form a single fluid reservoir, allowing for increased capacity and compatibility with generic wipes, featuring a self-standing design and ergonomic handle with a spraying mechanism, and incorporating a pressure balancing mechanism to prevent air pressure issues during filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the fluid reservoir is extended through the center of a paper towel roll, then the device combines fluid and wipe storage into one unit, but the reservoir volume becomes too small requiring frequent refills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the fluid reservoir inside the hollow cylindrical structure formed by the paper towel roll, allowing the reservoir to utilize the internal space of the roll structure. This enables the reservoir to achieve greater volume while maintaining the compact combined design, as the reservoir is nested within the existing structural framework of the wipe storage component.
2Quantity of substance
If the fluid reservoir capacity is increased by extending it above the paper towels, then the reservoir volume increases, but the device becomes too tall for typical storage locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the spatial dimension in which the reservoir is positioned. Instead of extending the reservoir vertically above the paper towels (increasing height), the reservoir is positioned horizontally within the hollow cylindrical space of the roll structure. This dimensional repositioning allows increased fluid volume without increasing the overall device height, enabling storage in compact locations.
3Quantity of substance
If the device includes several small and complicated moving pieces to increase reservoir capacity, then the fluid storage volume increases, but the device becomes difficult to manufacture and easily breakable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the fluid reservoir structure with the paper towel roll holder into a single integrated unit. The reservoir forms the internal structure of the holder, eliminating the need for separate retaining mechanisms and moving pieces. This unified design reduces manufacturing complexity, eliminates fragile components, and maintains adequate fluid storage volume through the efficient use of the hollow cylindrical space.
4Reliability
If actuate retainers are added to prevent paper towels from unraveling, then the wipes are secured, but the device weight increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the hollow cylindrical structure to serve multiple purposes simultaneously: it holds the paper towel roll, provides structural support for the device, and contains the fluid reservoir. The friction between the roll and the hollow structure naturally prevents unraveling without requiring additional retainers, thereby avoiding increased weight and manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable wipe retention.
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 provides a compact, durable, and versatile solution for storing and dispensing both cleaning fluid and wipes, allowing for extended use without frequent refills and supporting generic wipes, while maintaining stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a pressure balancing mechanism to prevent air pressure issues during filling
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a handheld cleaning device, which stores cleaning wipes as well as fluid. In an embodiment, the cleaning device comprises a hollow inner longitudinal portion, a hollow base, and a hollow outer longitudinal portion. All three hollow portions are joined together to form a single hollow fluid reservoir. In use, a cylindrical role of cleaning wipes may be slipped over the hollow inner longitudinal portion such that the hollow inner longitudinal portion is located inside the cylindrical roll of the cleaning wipes. The hollow outer longitudinal portion is located outside the cylindrical roll of the cleaning wipes and secures the cylindrical roll of cleaning wipes to the device. Further, the hollow base is located under the cylindrical roll of the cleaning wipes and further secures the cylindrical roll of cleaning wipes to the device.