Cleaning article having multi-layer gather strip element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning articles, such as rags, paper towels, and disposable dusters, are inadequate for cleaning large or heavily wetted surfaces as they can redeposit dirt, cause streaking, and damage certain floor materials, especially newer flooring with high gloss levels or difficult surface energies.
Innovation Solution
A disposable cleaning article with a laminate construction featuring a hydrophilic gather strip element and an absorbent sheet, where the gather strip element comprises superimposed layers with varying lengths to present a dynamically changing surface area during cleaning, minimizing re-deposition and surface damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If disposable floor sheets with absorbent cellulose are used to clean large or heavily wetted surfaces, then liquid absorption is improved, but insoluble soils are not removed and soluble soils are inadequately absorbed causing streaking and filming
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning article is divided into multiple functional layers: a gather strip element layer for soil removal, an intermediate layer for liquid absorption, and a floor sheet layer for additional absorption and retention. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning article combines multiple materials with different properties: the gather strip element for mechanical soil removal, absorbent cellulose for liquid absorption, and AGM (absorbent gel material) for liquid retention. This composite structure addresses both soil removal and liquid management functions simultaneously.
2Quantity of substance
If reusable microfiber pads are used for cleaning, then absorption of liquids is improved, but the floor may be damaged and filming/streaking still occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning article is designed as a disposable product that is used once and then discarded. This eliminates the need for washing and reusing, preventing the damage that occurs with reusable microfiber pads. The disposable nature ensures consistent performance without wear and tear affecting cleaning quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning article segments the cleaning function into soil removal (gather strip element) and liquid absorption (cellulose and AGM layers). This separation allows gentle liquid absorption without the abrasive mechanical action that damages floors, unlike reusable microfiber pads that combine both functions.
3Ease of operation
If a generally flat floor sheet is used for cleaning, then ease of operation is improved, but dirt can be re-deposited if the sheet is saturated and floor crevices or grout lines are not adequately cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The gather strip element is designed to be flexible and dynamic, allowing it to conform to floor contours and penetrate into crevices and grout lines. The element can bend and adapt to the surface geometry, providing effective cleaning in hard-to-reach areas while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning article separates the soil removal function (gather strip element) from the liquid absorption function (floor sheet). This segmentation allows the gather strip element to actively engage with and remove dirt from crevices, while the flat floor sheet provides ease of operation and absorbs liquids, preventing re-deposition.
4Illumination intensity
If newer flooring materials with high gloss levels and difficult surface energy are used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but filming/streaking is highlighted after wet cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning article segments soil removal and liquid absorption into separate layers. The gather strip element removes soils mechanically, while the absorbent layers capture liquids, preventing their interaction with the floor surface that would cause visible filming and streaking on high-gloss surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of gather strip element, absorbent cellulose, and AGM creates a composite structure that effectively manages both soils and liquids. This composite approach ensures thorough soil removal and liquid absorption, preventing the formation of visible films and streaks on aesthetically sensitive surfaces.
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 solution effectively absorbs and retains liquids, reduces streaking and filming, and minimizes damage to surfaces, while maintaining mobility and ease of use on diverse floor types, including modern wood and laminate surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The gather strip element may be hydrophilic and present a static or dynamically changing surface area to the target surface in use
Implementation Method 2
The absorbent core may be disposed between the gather strip element and the sheet
Implementation Method 3
The cleaning article may comprise two or more components joined in a laminate form to provide cleaning article suitable for floor cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning article. The cleaning article has a laminate construction. The cleaning article comprises a sheet and a hydrophilic gather strip element joined together at an elongate bond. The gather strip element has plural layers folded upon one another, providing strips extending outwardly from the bond. The folded layers provide a construction which allows the strips to advantageously present a dynamically changing area to the target surface during cleaning, under normal usage conditions. By changing the surface area, more liquids, and associated debris, can be cleaned from the target surface.