Disposable Mat With Watertight Adhesive Enclosed Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mats fail to effectively contain and absorb spilled liquids, as they either allow liquids to soak through or spread beyond their edges, and lack durability and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A disposable mat with a liquid permeable upper layer and a liquid impermeable lower layer, secured together with a watertight adhesive, which creates enclosed regions to contain spills and prevent lateral spread, while also incorporating an optional absorbent middle layer for enhanced absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If disposable mats use paper or similar disposable absorbent materials, then they eliminate the need to clean the mats after use, but they allow liquids to soak through the absorbent materials and contact the surface below
Solution Approach 1:
The mat combines paper or similar disposable absorbent materials with a plastic or polymeric waterproof layer to create a composite structure that provides both absorbency and liquid containment, preventing liquids from soaking through while maintaining disposable characteristics
2Ease of operation
If conventional mats use absorbent textile materials, then they absorb spilled liquid to prevent its spread, but they are prone to acquire stain or damage and require cumbersome cleaning processes
Solution Approach 1:
The mat combines absorbent textile materials with a plastic or polymeric waterproof layer to create a composite structure that provides both liquid absorption and stain resistance, allowing the mat to be easily cleaned or disposed of after use
3Ease of repair
If conventional mats use plastic and rubber materials, then they are more easily cleaned for reuse and less prone to wear or damage, but they do not significantly prevent the spread of a spilled liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The mat combines plastic or rubber materials with an absorbent layer to create a composite structure that provides both durability and ease of cleaning, while the absorbent layer enables effective liquid absorption and containment
4Shape
If disposable mats are made with decorative appearance, then they become more aesthetically pleasing, but the expenditure of significant time and resources reduces cost effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The mat is divided into separate functional layers (absorbent layer and waterproof layer) that can be manufactured independently at low cost, allowing for potential decorative elements in the absorbent layer without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity or cost
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 mat effectively contains and absorbs spills, preventing them from spreading beyond its edges and providing improved durability and aesthetic customization, with enhanced usability and effectiveness compared to conventional mats.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid permeable upper layer secured above a liquid impermeable lower layer
Implementation Method 2
a liquid impermeable lower layer
Implementation Method 3
an absorbent middle layer disposed between the upper and lower layers
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for containing a spilled liquid, a mat is provided onto a surface. The mat includes a liquid permeable upper layer disposed above a liquid impermeable lower layer, with a watertight adhesive securing the upper layer to the lower layer. The watertight adhesive defines one or more enclosed regions between the upper and lower layers. A vessel containing liquid can be placed on the mat, accessible by an animal or human, such that liquid spilled from the vessel falls onto the mat above the one or more enclosed regions. The spilled liquid permeates through the liquid permeable upper layer onto one or more enclosed regions, where the liquid impermeable lower layer prevents further vertical permeation of the liquid while the watertight adhesive that bounds the enclosed regions inhibits lateral permeation of the liquid. The spilled liquid is thereby contained in the enclosed regions onto which it was spilled.