Compressed Melamine Foam Structure for Durable Hard-Surface Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning implements using open-cell foams, such as melamine foam, face challenges in effectively removing greasy soap scum and kitchen dirt from hard surfaces while maintaining durability, as they tend to crumble when used with solvents like water.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning implement comprising elastic compressed melamine-formaldehyde foam, produced by expanding a melamine-formaldehyde precondensate, compressing it, and drying it to a specific density, which is then used in various shapes and configurations with optional additional layers for enhanced cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional open-cell melamine foam is used for cleaning hard surfaces, then soil and stain removal performance is improved, but durability deteriorates as the foam crumbles when wetted with solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by compressing the melamine foam to densities between 5-100 g/l (optimally 15-40 g/l), which fundamentally alters the foam's structural parameters. This compression transforms the open-cell structure into a more compact, durable configuration that resists crumbling when wetted, while preserving the cleaning effectiveness through maintained porosity and surface area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining compressed melamine foam with specific density ranges and potentially additional layers (such as the layered composite with melamine fiber fleece or fabric mentioned in WO 2007/101881). This composite approach enhances durability while maintaining cleaning performance
2Reliability
If substantial amounts of solvent (water) are used with melamine foam to optimally remove soils and stains, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but foam durability worsens due to increased crumbling and particle formation
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the density parameter of the foam to 5-100 g/l through compression, the patent enables the foam to withstand substantial solvent application without crumbling. The compressed structure maintains integrity even when heavily wetted, allowing optimal cleaning performance with water while minimizing foam particle loss
Solution Approach 2:
The compression process beforehand creates a cushioned, reinforced structure that anticipates and resists the mechanical stress of rubbing and the chemical stress of solvent exposure. This pre-compression cushions the foam cells against collapse and particle formation during use
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 elastic compressed foam cleaning implement demonstrates improved durability and effectiveness in removing greasy soap scum and kitchen dirt from hard surfaces, maintaining structural integrity even when wetted with solvents, outperforming traditional melamine foam in terms of stain removal and durability.
Implementation Method 1
Expanding a melamine-formaldehyde precondensate
Implementation Method 2
Compressing the soft, not finally cured melamine-formaldehyde foamed material of step a), wherein compression take place in the range of 1 to 90%
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cleaning implement comprising elastic compressed foam and to a method of cleaning a hard surface with said cleaning implement.