Cleaning Pad Structure for Wet Debris Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hand-held cleaning devices lack effective debris retention in wet and damp conditions, and they often require separate tools for dry, wet, or damp dusting, with inadequate storage configurations and weak attachment mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning pad system with a combination of fibers and a nonwoven sheet, integrated with a fluid source that allows for selective application of cleaning fluid, featuring a bonded fiber mat and spot bonding regions for improved absorbency and retention, and a pivotable design for easy handling and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a cleaning pad uses a simple attachment mechanism, then the device is easier to manufacture and assemble, but the attachment may weaken over time causing the support member to disengage from the handle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment mechanism simplicityVSAvoidattachment retention strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a support member with attachment portion, a handle with receiving structure, and a cleaning pad with retention means. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall reliability through their coordinated interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including arcuate protrusions that can deflect and flex during cleaning operations, and a retention means that adapts to maintain engagement. This dynamic design allows the attachment to accommodate operational stresses while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a cleaning pad uses arcuate protrusions for retention, then the pad can be easily attached and removed, but the protrusions do not adequately maintain the pad during cleaning causing it to slide off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepad attachment and removal easeVSAvoidpad retention during cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retention system combines multiple functional elements: arcuate protrusions for easy attachment/removal operations, flat surfaces for stable positioning, and retention means (such as clips or latches) for secure engagement during cleaning. This composite approach integrates the advantages of each element while compensating for their individual limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If a cleaning device is designed for dry dusting only, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot perform wet or damp cleaning functions requiring separate tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning device structureVSAvoidcleaning mode flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is designed with universal functionality to perform dry dusting, damp cleaning, and wet cleaning operations. The cleaning pad and support member are configured to accommodate different cleaning fluids and conditions, while the attachment mechanism and retention means maintain secure engagement across all operating modes, eliminating the need for separate tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If a cleaning pad uses a press fitted attachment, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the press fitted member may weaken over time resulting in disengagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidattachment durability over time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism incorporates preventive design features including arcuate protrusions with flat surfaces that distribute stress, and retention means that prevent disengagement. These elements are designed to accommodate wear and stress over time, preventing the weakening and disengagement that would occur with simple press-fitted connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 system provides enhanced debris retention and versatility in wet, damp, or dry cleaning, allowing single-handed switching between modes without the need for separate tools, with improved ergonomics and storage convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a cleaning pad that exhibits improved debris adhesion in wet, damp, and dry dusting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

bonded to the base sheet along a central bonding line and at spot bonding regions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS7891898B2Cleaning pad for wet, damp or dry cleaning

Publication Date: 2011.02.22 SC JOHNSON & SON INC

AI summary

A cleaning pad (28) is disclosed. The cleaning pad (28) includes a base sheet (202) bonded to a fiber mat (203) and exhibits improved debris retention when a liquid is applied to the pad (28) or the surface to be cleaned. The pad (28) is preferably used with a cleaning system that includes a fluid source (30) in communication with a cleaning tool (22) such that fluid may be selectively applied to a surface to be cleaned or directly to the fiber mat (203) of the cleaning pad (28).