Intrinsic Product Marking on Cleaning Components for Wash Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cleaning devices require separate 'labels' with product information that are difficult and costly to handle, often get damaged or detached during use, and are not easily customizable for sequential numbering or unique marking.

Innovation Solution

Integrating product information directly into the cleaning device's component material during manufacturing, using methods like laser treatment or inkjet printing to create intrinsic labeling that is permanent and resistant to detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If separate labels are attached to cleaning devices, then product information can be provided, but the labels are difficult and expensive to handle and require separate component processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct informationVSAvoidseparate label components
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the product information directly into the cleaning device component itself by forming it intrinsically from the same material during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for separate label components that need to be attached manually or semi-automatically, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining product information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The product information is formed intrinsically during the manufacturing process of the cleaning device component, before the product reaches the customer. This preliminary action integrates the information directly into the component structure, avoiding later attachment steps and reducing handling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate labels are used for product information, then information can be provided, but they are difficult and expensive to customize with sequential numbering or unique markings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct information customizationVSAvoidlabel production
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables easy customization of product information by changing the parameters of the intrinsic formation process. Different information can be directly formed into different cleaning device components during manufacturing without requiring separate label production processes, making customization simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If separate labels are attached to cleaning devices, then product information can be provided, but the labels can easily be damaged or detached during use or cleaning washing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct information retentionVSAvoidlabel attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the product information directly into the cleaning device component material, the patent eliminates the attachment interface that would otherwise be a weak point. The information becomes an integral part of the component, ensuring it cannot be detached or easily damaged during use or washing, thereby improving reliability and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Loss of information

If elements are sewn or glued to flat mop covers, then product information can be attached, but the elements require manual or semi-automatic handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct informationVSAvoidlabeling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The product information is formed intrinsically during the manufacturing process itself, as a preliminary action that occurs automatically without requiring subsequent manual or semi-automatic labeling steps. This integration into the base manufacturing process significantly improves productivity by eliminating separate handling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Eliminates the need for separate labels, allows for easy and cost-effective customization, and ensures product information remains intact during cleaning and use, even on frequently washed flat mop covers.

Implementation Method 1

A laser can heat a polyester or polypropylene surface in such a way that it foams in the heated areas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

A laser can heat a polyester or polypropylene surface in such a way that it foams in the heated areas. The laser creates a microstructure of a foam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal foaming: Foam

Implementation Method 3

The surface could have been structurally changed in some areas by the means, with the structural changes being in the form of signs, numbers or symbols and representing the product information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 4

The means could be designed as an ink jet, which uses an acid. With an ink jet, namely a jet printer, product information can be formed on the surface by a long-distance effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInkjet printing:

Data Source

PatentEP2765895B1Cleaning device with product information
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 CARL FREUDENBERG KG
  • EP2765895B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2765895B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning device (1′, 1″, 1′″) comprising a component (2′, 2″, 2′″) which has associated product information (3). The aim of the invention is to develop and further improve a cleaning device of said type, such that once it has been easily marked with product information, said product permanently carries said product information. The device is characterized in that said component (2′, 2″, 2′″) comprises a surface (2′a, 2″a, 2′″a) in which the product information (3) is intrinsic and/or integral with the material, said product information (3) having been formed by means which are interspaced from said surface (2′a, 2″a, 2′″a).