|
Posted by Asako Tsumagari on 22 Sep 2007, (68) Comments — Electronics Home & Garden |
Plain 'ol egg -- average opportunity
|
Startup Concept Summary
Startup with a new and advanced brush for scrubbing shower tiles that combines sonic wave and UV (ultra violet) light technololgies. The sonic wave technology creates micro-vibration to enhance your scrubbing power, while the UV light shines from the brush to kill the bacteria.
Background of This Startup Idea
These days, there seems a trend in cleaning with sonic technologies and sterilizing with UV light. One can find many products using these technologies: Sonicare toothbrush, Clarisonic skin care, ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, UV toothbrush sterilizer, Halo UV vacuum cleaner, Clean Air UV shoe odor eliminator, etc.
But if you name the place or thing most difficult to clean, wouldn’t you agree your bathroom tile would rank on top? No matter how often you scrub your shower tiles, mold just comes back. I am actually surprised no one has come up with a shower cleaning tool that uses UV technologies, let alone one that combines UV and sonic technologies. Sonic vibration would break down the built-up within the cracks, while the UV light would kill the bacteria. 
Strategy and Tips for This Startup Idea
1) Clear the IP questions
The good news is that the benefits of sonic cleaning and UV light sterilization are known sciences open to everyone. Thus, no one owns a patent on the science itself.
Having said that, the bad news is plenty patents exist around the mechanical approach to leveraging such science for the product concept. I did the IP search on sonic and UV light technologies, and found a significant list of prior arts, 10,000 of them, in fact. Everyone is trying to get patents on different approaches and benefit claims. For example, P&G has a patent around increased cleaning efficacy based on the interaction between cleaning additives and sonic vibration.
The above means you must take great care in your product design approach and marketing claim, so as not to infringe upon anyone else’s patent. If you get serious in pursuing this startup idea, I’d recommend you do a major IP research with an IP attorney.
If you successfully develop a unique approach and claim, make sure to patent it. If you cannot get a patent, you run the risk that P&G, Sonicare, or other patent owner may come to takeover the concept. Since the fundamental scientific concept itself is not patentable, you patent needs to focus on the mechanics and benefit claim, i.e. a smart electric component solution that fits both sonic and UV components into one portable design.
Obviously, I am not an expert. This is why I decided not to pursue this idea, but rather blog about it.
2) Pushing the Product
The key challenge lies in designing the mechanical system you seek to develop. Do you want the product design to look like an electronic sonic toothbrush? Probably not. You are trying to scrub a big surface, so you’d probably want a larger brush. But, how would you get into the cracks between the tiles? Also, how would the UV light shoot out onto the tile?
Once you’ve designed your overall concept scheme, you’ll need to find a supplier capable and willing to create a prototype with you. With the prototype in hand, you’ll next need to see if any channel customers show interest. Finally but before you commit to manufacture your inventory, you’ll definitely want to secure a customer order first.
3) Marketing strategy
Attractive starting channels for selling this kind of concept are the QVC cable television channel, Sharper Image retails stores, and the SkyMall magazine. You should also target all online stores as well as any blog sites and discussion forums that talk about home cleaning tips. Consider sending prototypes to key editors and reviewers.
In addition to your IP creation, you need to develop an entry barrier against P&G and other potential competitors through your marketing strategy. Branding will be key in creating a distinctive image and advantage. Your brand should integrate seemlessly with the product design, packaging, and promotion materials. Sometimes a brand, even without any patentable IP, can still give a strong enough impression to consumers that P&G may want to acquire you, instead re-inventing it themselves.
Alternatively, consider an alliance with a consumer package goods player who has less strength in electronics, i.e. Clorox, Colgate, and Unilever, to name a few.
Financial Rewards of This Startup Idea
Your product costs will be high, but if you can keep under control, you may have a viable business. Today, low cost sonic toothbrushes are priced around $30, and UV toothbrush sterilizers sell for about $30. Your challenge lies in developing a product that can sell for less than $50. If you could sell 20,000 units, you may have a decent business already.
Who Should Pursue This Startup Idea?
Definitely, you need to be someone with industrial design and electronics engineering backgrounds. If you decide to build and market this product, let me know! I can’t wait to have clean shower tiles again.
Comments for "SUV: The Ultimate Shower Tile Brush"
23 Sep 2007 at 08:29 PM
Hi Asako - I too find it a pain to clean between tiles, so this really does sound like a good idea.
My only concern with this product would be safety. And I don’t know a lot about this, but I’m wondering how safe a cleaning tool that used UV light would be?
If someone was successful at patenting such a product, maybe they could also bring out a more expensive industrial one to sell to cleaning companies.
But, I think they would have to also compare the product with a small steam cleaning machine, as steam cleaning is pretty good for removing all types of grime in difficult places too.
I think it has the potential to work if a) safety was guaranteed. b) it was more effective and more cost effective than steam cleaning. c) it was easy and quick to use. d) it could be sold to the industrial market too.
Catherine
24 Sep 2007 at 12:19 AM
Hi Asako,
I came by to see what this weeks big idea is…
Cleaning tile...Ugh! Not my favorite job. I know I have cleaned tile grout with an old toothbrush, and that’s not how I prefer to spend an afternoon. Mildew isn’t an issue for me, as much as, what I believe is maybe a lime or hard water deposit. Would a UV light, attack this issue as well?
And, as Catherine mentioned, would it be safe?
Hmmm. I would like to see an expert in the UV field share their opinion on this one.
24 Sep 2007 at 09:01 PM
Hello Catherine and Barbara,
It took quite an effort to write this idea, and when I struggle, it seems the rating is also low. As you would have already figured out, I was trying to create an idea, because I want a solution. Catherine, I should try that steam cleaning machine you mentioned.
In terms of the safety, a number of products that also use UV light claim like “It uses germicidal UV light bulb power, which is 100% safe and effective”, so I presumed it is safe. But I should have checked it better.
For the water deposit, Barbara, unfortunately, UV does not solve the issue, because it does not reach.
I agree industrial may be the better way. UV has been used a lot in the industrial setting in fact.
It is now coming into a household, and I see a lot of new products out there. I even found a product which you put on the surface of toilet cover, and when you put it down, it beam UV light into toilet bowl. So I thought this could be used for my hope to keep my shower tiles clean…
Well, I will try to get a golden egg next weekend for the next idea!
06 Jul 2009 at 01:16 AM
I think they would have to also compare the product with a small steam cleaning machine, as steam cleaning is pretty good for removing all types of grime in difficult places too.
09 Jul 2009 at 10:18 PM
Find Lists is a mailing list broker offering high quality business mailing lists, consumer mailing lists, direct marketing lists, medical mailing lists, email lists. We are a mailing list company helping clients purchase lists. http://www.findlists.com
13 Jul 2009 at 11:27 PM
ttractive starting channels for selling this kind of concept are the QVC cable television channel, Sharper Image retails stores, and the SkyMall magazine. You should also target all online stores as well as any blog sites and discussion forums that talk about home cleaning tips. Consider sending prototypes to key editors and reviewers.
In addition to your IP creation, you need to develop an entry barrier against P&G;and other potential competitors through your marketing strategy. Branding will be key in creating a distinctive image and advantage. Your brand should integrate seemlessly with the product design, packaging, and promotion materials. Sometimes a brand, even without any patentable IP, can still give a strong enough impression to consumers that P&G;may want to acquire you, instead re-inventing it themselves.
Alternatively, consider an alliance with a consumer package goods player who has less strength in electronics, i.e. Clorox, Colgate, and Unilever, to name a few. improve golf swing
16 Jul 2009 at 04:35 AM
This mop is absolutely excellent for dusting floors because the fibers in the pad are statically charged. This means less work for you because the static electricity attracts dirt, pet hairs, dust balls, and micro particles like a magnet so you don’t have to chase them down.
03 Aug 2009 at 10:20 PM
JOIN FREE-Make Money by taking Paid Survey , its simple company pays just for sharing your opinion. World wide offer http://earn4survey.blogspot.com
08 Aug 2009 at 11:39 AM
This is a pretty good idea. I think with the right capital and direction, someone could really run with this.
19 Aug 2009 at 07:20 AM
Apply Now for Merchant Account Services, and a Free Credit Card Processing Account with Instant Approval & Guaranteed Low Rates
22 Aug 2009 at 08:12 AM
I am actually surprised no one has come up with a shower cleaning tool that uses UV technologies, let alone one that combines UV and sonic technologies.Sonic vibration would break down the built-up within the cracks, while the UV light would kill the bacteria.
17 Sep 2009 at 10:42 AM
Haier’s ultrasonic jewelry cleaners use ordinary tap water to get your finest jewelry looking shiny and new.You can trust Haier’s ultrasonic jewelry cleaners to get your most delicate items clean without damaging or scratching them.
24 Sep 2009 at 11:16 AM
It seems like a solid idea but make sure you run it through solid testing first. eFusjon
07 Oct 2009 at 11:58 AM
Greatly written indeed.I really enjoyed your article and found it to be very informative, keep up the good work, I’ll be coming back to read any of your future articles.
11 Oct 2009 at 01:32 PM
I like this article. This is called a great article. I am new here. I like your site too. This is pretty awesome. i found some useful info here. anyways thanks for sharing with us. I am looking foreword your next post. Thanks.
23 Oct 2009 at 05:27 AM
I love it! I was really hesitant about the price too...but I’m always trying to find a way to exfoliate my skin without irritating it too much. This brush is awesome! It has already helped with blemishes that I had and I’m starting to see some results on the fine lines around my mouth.beauty products
24 Oct 2009 at 09:33 AM
Greatly written indeed.I really enjoyed your article and found it to be very informative, keep up the good work, I’ll be coming back to read any of your future articles.Thank you for your Nice article.Like to read more comments like that.It helps to clear our mind.Thanks.
03 Nov 2009 at 09:19 PM
We need sunlight in order that our system makes use of vitamin D. So, some exposure to the sun light and its UV content is beneficial but one gets enough of the required UV long before one gets a darkened skin. Skin cells contain a substance called melanin which determines skin color. Melanin gets darker with exposure to UV. Here ends the good part.
22 Nov 2009 at 07:55 PM
Gonna try this one. Looks like a great item. Thanks.
Are you looking for gorgeous tiles? Visit us at Tiles Adelaide and get a wide array of tiles for your home.
02 Dec 2009 at 05:22 AM
Thanks for the sharing. I like your post. Keep it up man. I am going to share this with my all friends.
05 Dec 2009 at 03:16 AM
Ya… this UV Brush Sterilizer is a perfect addition to any bathroom that wants to protect against harmful baterial. It also generate 254nm ultraviolet ray to kill the Bacteria & virus by destroy the Microorganism nucleic acid, DNA.
10 Dec 2009 at 01:45 AM
This is one of the great article i have ever read. Thanks for the sharing man. Now ia m going to share this site with my all friends.
10 Dec 2009 at 04:56 AM
This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing this great article!
12 Dec 2009 at 09:28 AM
I like your article. Thanks for the sharing. I am looking forward your next article. I hope that will be more interesting. Now i am going to share this site with my all friends via facebook. Thanks. I hope they gonna alike this.
12 Dec 2009 at 09:41 AM
I am just watching for your site now. I read so many comments and it’s really nice.
So I want to say that it’s really a good website for us to learn so many new things.
Even I just go for bookmark this page right now. And I also want to comment on your site. So I do……………
Kip it up It’s a good job………………
Now i am going to share this site with my all friends via facebook. And gonna like this site i am sure