Bonded laminate cleaning implement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning products, such as shampoos and hard surface cleaners, are inefficient and cumbersome, requiring multiple handling steps and often result in incomplete cleaning due to the need for separate containers and implements, which can lead to bacterial growth and hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
A laminate cleaning implement comprising a backing sheet, a substrate with an active agent that releases upon exposure to use conditions, and a facing sheet, bonded at discrete points to form a coherent structure, which simplifies manufacturing and enhances cleaning efficiency by combining the cleaning product with the implement, allowing for superior surface cleaning and soil capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cleaning products are sold in separate containers requiring dispensing and application with separate implements, then the cleaning product can be stored and transported, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient requiring multiple handling steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cleaning product (substrate with active agent) and the cleaning implement (facing sheet and backing sheet) into a single integrated laminate structure. The substrate containing the cleaning composition is bonded between the facing sheet and backing sheet, eliminating the need for separate containers and application tools. This merging allows the user to apply and distribute the cleaning product simultaneously in a single step.
2Reliability
If cleaning products contain water to be effective, then the cleaning action can be performed, but the weight increases leading to greater shipping and storage costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the cleaning composition from a water-based liquid to a water-free or reduced-water formulation. The substrate contains the active agent in a dry or semi-dry state, which releases the active agent upon exposure to moisture during use (such as saliva, tears, or ambient humidity). This parameter change significantly reduces the weight of the cleaning product while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through controlled release of the active agent.
3Ease of operation
If traditional cleaning implements are reused extensively, then convenience is maintained, but bacterial growth and unpleasant odors develop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a disposable cleaning implement where the entire laminate structure (facing sheet, substrate, and backing sheet) is intended for single-use and then discarded. This eliminates the hygiene problems associated with reusing cleaning implements, as each new implement is fresh and free from bacterial contamination. The disposable nature maintains convenience while eliminating harmful factors like bacterial growth and odors.
4Adaptability or versatility
If cleaning product is sprayed onto an assembled cleaning implement, then combination is achieved, but a drying step is required before packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the cleaning composition into the laminate structure during the manufacturing process itself, before final assembly and packaging. The substrate containing the active agent is bonded between the facing sheet and backing sheet in a controlled manufacturing environment, eliminating the need for post-assembly drying steps. This preliminary incorporation of the cleaning product into the implement structure streamlines the manufacturing process.
5Ease of manufacture
If the substrate is disposed between the facing sheet and backing sheet at discrete bonding points, then manufacturing is simplified, but the structural integrity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses discrete bonding points rather than continuous bonding to join the facing sheet, substrate, and backing sheet. This segmentation approach simplifies manufacturing by allowing faster, more flexible assembly processes while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through strategically placed bond points. The discrete bonding points are positioned to provide adequate strength for the intended use while reducing manufacturing complexity and material usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A laminate cleaning implement. The laminate cleaning implement has a backing sheet, a substrate, and a facing sheet. The backing sheet and the facing sheet are connected at a plurality of discrete bonding points to form a coherent laminate structure and the substrate is disposed between the backing sheet and the facing sheet.