Antimicrobial Wipe Pouch for Beverage Can Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage cans lack a reliable and convenient method for sanitizing the drinking surface, especially when consumers are away from home, as traditional cleaning methods are impractical and ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A beverage can with a low-profile pouch containing a GRAS antimicrobial wipe attached to its exterior, allowing users to quickly decontaminate the drinking surface by pulling out the wipe and using it to clean the area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cleaning methods (soap and water) are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but convenience and practicality deteriorate when away from home
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential cleaning function from traditional soap-and-water cleaning systems. Instead of requiring water, soap, and drying facilities, the invention uses a pre-impregnated antimicrobial wipe that contains all necessary cleaning and sanitizing agents in a portable format attached to the can
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable antimicrobial wipe that is used once and then discarded. This eliminates the need for rinsing and drying infrastructure, making cleaning effective and convenient anywhere. The wipe is inexpensive and designed for single-use, solving the contradiction between cleaning reliability and operational convenience
2Ease of operation
If wiping on clothing or paper towel is used, then convenience is improved, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the wiping material by impregnating it with specific antimicrobial agents (such as benzalkonium chloride, quaternary ammonium compounds, or hydrogen peroxide). This transforms an ordinary wipe into an effective sanitizing tool that maintains convenience while achieving reliable decontamination, with >98% bacteria kill rate within 5 seconds
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pouch is attached to the can, then cleaning functionality is improved, but can size and complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the antimicrobial wipe within a compact pouch that is itself attached to the can. The pouch contains the wipe in a space-efficient manner, and the entire assembly integrates with the can structure without substantially altering its external dimensions, adding minimal complexity while providing cleaning functionality
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 antimicrobial wipe effectively kills or removes >98% of bacteria, viruses, molds, and fungi within 5 seconds of use, providing a sanitary drinking experience without altering the can's size, shape, or weight.
Implementation Method 1
An embodiment of the present invention provides a beverage can having an antimicrobial wipe that is within a pouch adhered to the beverage can's outside
Data Source
AI summary
An improved beverage can includes a GRAS antimicrobial wipe contained in a low profile pouch that is adhered to the side of the can. The low profile pouch is constructed of a substantially planar substrate that retains the wipe directly to the exterior surface of the can. The pouch includes a perforated tab that is removed to access the wipe. To use, the perforated tab is ripped off, the user reaches into the pouch and pulls out the antimicrobial wipe, and wipes the can as desired, typically focusing on the drinking region of the can.