Detergent-Resistant Paper Pulp Composition for Disposable Wash Bowls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Paper pulp articles disintegrate quickly when exposed to soap or detergent solutions, making them unsuitable for use in applications like wash basins, and existing solutions require reusable plastic alternatives that pose risks of cross-contamination and infection.

Innovation Solution

A mouldable paper pulp composition incorporating an aqueous suspension of paper particles and a detergent-resistant binding agent, such as a fluorocarbon resin emulsion, along with a sizing agent like aluminium sulphate, which maintains the article's shape and rigidity even when contacted with soap or detergent solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional paper pulp is used to form disposable wash bowls, then the article is disposable and cost-effective, but the article disintegrates when exposed to soap or detergent solutions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to soap and detergentVSAvoiddisposable nature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining conventional paper pulp with a fluorocarbon resin binder to create a new material composition that exhibits both disposability and resistance to soap/detergent. The fluorocarbon resin (typically 5-20% by weight) forms a protective network within the paper matrix, providing chemical resistance while maintaining the overall disposable character of the product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the paper pulp by introducing fluorocarbon resin and adjusting the binding agent content. This parameter modification transforms the material properties to achieve detergent resistance without sacrificing the disposable nature, allowing the article to withstand cleaning solutions while remaining cost-effective and disposable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If reusable plastic receptacles are used instead of disposable paper pulp, then the article resists soap and detergent, but the risk of cross-contamination and cross-infection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to soap and detergentVSAvoidcross-contamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements the disposable principle by creating a low-cost paper pulp product enhanced with fluorocarbon resin that can withstand single-use cleaning with soap or detergent. After use, the article is discarded rather than reused, eliminating cross-contamination risks while maintaining the economic advantage of disposable products. The fluorocarbon binder ensures the article survives the cleaning process intact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If paper pulp articles are made to be disposable, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but the article lacks the strength to retain shape and rigidity when exposed to cleaning solutions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidshape retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials combining paper pulp with fluorocarbon resin binder to achieve both cost-effectiveness and shape retention. The fluorocarbon resin (5-20% by weight) creates a reinforcing network within the paper matrix, providing structural integrity and shape retention during exposure to cleaning solutions while maintaining the disposable, cost-effective nature of the product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the structural parameters of paper pulp by incorporating fluorocarbon resin and optimizing binder content to 5-20% by weight. This parameter change enhances the mechanical strength and shape retention properties, allowing the disposable article to maintain its form during cleaning without compromising cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 composition allows for the creation of disposable paper pulp articles that remain intact and resistant to soap, detergent, engine oil, cooking oil, and other substances, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and infection while maintaining cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

A mouldable paper pulp composition incorporating an aqueous suspension of paper particles and a detergent-resistant binding agent, such as a fluorocarbon resin emulsion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmulsion: Emulsion

Implementation Method 2

a detergent resistant binding agent for the paper particles, in an intimate and substantially homogenous mix

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

The sizing agent acts to improve the binding action of the binder and paper fibres and to lower the pH, improving the binding properties of the detergent resistant binding agent and/or binder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP2047032B1Paper pulp composition and article formed therefrom
Publication Date: 2016.03.23 VERNACARE

AI summary

A mouldable paper pulp composition comprising an aqueous suspension of a base material comprising paper particles and a detergent resistant binding agent for the paper particles, in an intimate and substantially homogenous mix. Also provided are articles moulded from the composition.