Multilayer Cleaning Pad With Dry Contact Layer and Wet-Slip Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for hard surfaces, such as countertops, lack effective gripping mechanisms, leading to slippage and discomfort during use, especially when exposed to surfactants and water, and fail to provide a dry touch experience while maintaining cleaning efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer cleaning article with a dry surface contact layer comprising abrasive fibers and a gripping layer with at least 40% natural cellulose pulp fibers, along with a moisture impermeable barrier to prevent liquid migration, ensuring a secure grip and dry touch even when wetted for cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning article uses a dry surface contact layer with abrasive fibers and pre-loaded cleaning composition, then the cleaning efficacy on hard surfaces is improved, but the article may slip out of user's hands when gripped
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning article is divided into functionally distinct layers: a gripping layer (at least 40% pulp fibers) for hand contact and stability, and a surface contact layer (abrasive fibers with pre-loaded cleaning composition) for cleaning efficacy. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cleaning article have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The gripping layer has high pulp content for friction and grip stability, while the surface contact layer has abrasive fibers and cleaning composition for effective cleaning. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between grip and cleaning performance.
2Reliability
If the surface contact layer contains water and surfactants for cleaning activation, then cleaning performance is enhanced, but the surface feels wet and leaves residue on hands
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning composition is pre-loaded onto the abrasive fibers in a dry state during manufacturing, with controlled water content (1-40% by weight). This preliminary preparation allows the composition to be activated by water applied during use, rather than being pre-wetted, thus maintaining a dry touch feel while ensuring cleaning performance when activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The water content in the cleaning composition is precisely controlled within 1-40% by weight range. This parameter optimization ensures the composition remains dry to the touch (feels dry when contacted) while containing sufficient moisture to activate cleaning when water is applied during use, preventing wet residue on hands.
3Reliability
If the cleaning article is made with synthetic abrasive fibers for effective scraping, then cleaning capability on adhered materials is improved, but the gripping surface becomes slippery when exposed to surfactants and water
Solution Approach 1:
The article separates gripping function from cleaning function into different layers. The gripping layer uses at least 40% pulp fibers that maintain high friction and grip stability even when wet, while the surface contact layer uses synthetic abrasive fibers for effective cleaning of adhered materials. This segmentation resolves the slippage issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning article uses composite material construction with at least two distinct layers having different material compositions. The gripping layer is predominantly pulp-based for friction, while the surface contact layer contains synthetic abrasive fibers for cleaning. This composite structure allows each material to excel at its specific function without the drawbacks of the other.
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 solution provides enhanced grip and comfort, preventing slippage and maintaining a dry touch, allowing for effective cleaning of hard surfaces without leaving residues, with the cleaning composition being activated by water to break up and remove adhered soils.
Implementation Method 1
Because the contact layer is abrasive, the feel of the contact layer upon touching may exhibit a scratchy and dry feel
Implementation Method 2
the cleaning composition may be activated by running water over the contact layer surface, or providing water on the tabletop or countertop being cleaned, and then contacting the contact layer with that water. Upon contact with the water, the cleaning composition is activated, e.g., beginning to foam and suds, aiding in breaking up and removing spills and soils
Implementation Method 3
The gripping layer may include a relatively high fraction (e.g., at least 40%) of pulp fibers to provide such improved grip. The mean hand grip value for the gripping layer may be at least 0.015 1/in2
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention teaches multilayer cleaning articles that include a substantially dry surface contact layer and a gripping layer. The contact layer may represent one exposed major face of the cleaning article (e.g., a cleaning pad), while the gripping layer may represent the opposite exposed major face of the cleaning article. The contact layer may include abrasive synthetic fibers, so as to be effective in scrubbing soils and spills from a surface. The contact layer includes a cleaning composition pre-loaded therein. The cleaning composition is such that the contact layer feels dry to the touch prior to use, before wetting with water. The cleaning composition may include about 1% to about 40% by weight water. The gripping layer includes at least 40% by weight of pulp fibers (e.g., natural cellulose pulp fiber), and exhibits a mean hand grip value that is at least 0.015 1/in2 (reciprocal inches squared).