Dry Reusable Cleaning Substrate for Accurate Dosing and Low Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning methods are inefficient in using substrates, often requiring one-time use or complex logistics for reusable substrates, leading to economic and ecological concerns, as well as issues with microbial contamination and unsatisfactory cleaning results due to misdosage of cleaning compositions.
Innovation Solution
A washable and reusable substrate preloaded with a cleaning composition that can be stored and transported in a dry state, loaded with a cleaning composition after use, and then wetted for cleaning, allowing for efficient reuse and minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If one-time usage substrates are used, then cleaning composition is pre-loaded and convenient, but substrate efficiency is low and waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is designed to be reusable through multiple cleaning cycles. After use, the substrate is recovered, washed to remove dirt and residual cleaning composition, and then re-loaded with fresh cleaning composition, eliminating the need for single-use disposal
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning composition is pre-loaded onto the substrate in advance during the loading phase. This allows the substrate to be ready for immediate use without requiring on-site preparation or mixing of cleaning solutions
2Quantity of substance
If wet substrates are stored and distributed, then cleaning composition is available, but microbial contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is maintained in a dry state during storage and distribution, then transitioned to a wet state only when needed for use. This phase transition approach allows cleaning composition availability while minimizing microbial growth risks associated with prolonged wet storage
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning composition is applied to the substrate only at the point of use rather than being stored in a wet state. This extracts the cleaning function from continuous wet storage, reducing contamination risks while maintaining composition availability
3Duration of action of stationary object
If cleaning liquor is prepared at cleaning location, then reusable substrates can be used, but misdosage occurs leading to poor cleaning results
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing of cleaning composition is automated through the loading mechanism, which applies a controlled amount of composition to the substrate without requiring manual measurement or preparation by the user, eliminating misdosage issues
Solution Approach 2:
A loading mechanism acts as an intermediary between the cleaning composition container and the substrate. This intermediary device ensures precise delivery of the correct amount of cleaning composition to the substrate, removing the variability associated with manual preparation
4Productivity
If larger containers for cleaning composition are used, then professional cleaning efficiency improves, but logistics complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into separate components: a reusable substrate that can be stored dry, a cleaning composition container, and a loading mechanism. This segmentation allows the substrate to be independently stored and transported without complex logistics, while still supporting professional cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is pre-loaded with cleaning composition at a central location before distribution. This preliminary action separates the dosing operation from the cleaning operation, allowing substrates to be distributed in a ready-to-use state without requiring complex on-site preparation equipment
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
This solution enables efficient reuse of substrates, reduces waste, and improves cleaning performance by ensuring consistent application of cleaning compositions, while eliminating the need for complex logistics and minimizing microbial contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a washable and reusable substrate preloaded with a cleaning composition that can be stored and transported in a dry state, loaded with a cleaning composition after use
Implementation Method 2
where it is wetted, such as by water. Upon cleaning of the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning substrate, which is essentially dry and loaded with a cleaning composition, which may very suitably be stored and transported in its dry form and which may be activated for surface cleaning by simple addition of a carrier, such as water. A method for the manufacture of such a loaded dry substrate, and to the method of surface cleaning using such a loaded dry substrate is also disclosed.