Fluid Containment Layer With Gradient Density For Sag Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-disinfecting door push pads and contact surfaces face challenges such as difficulty in filling, sagging, limited fluid retention, and short lifespan, leading to frequent replacement and waste, especially in high-touch areas where bacterial and viral pathogens are prevalent.
Innovation Solution
A fluid containment layer with vertically oriented fibers, a gradient density structure, and superabsorbent properties that allows for controlled release of disinfecting liquid or gel, providing increased fluid retention, resistance to sagging, and the ability to be refilled, thus extending the life of the disinfection pad.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a storage medium layer contains liquid or gel-like material, then disinfection function is provided, but the layer sags due to the weight of the liquid or gel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a gradient density structure where the fluid containment layer has varying density from top to bottom. The bottom portion has higher density to provide structural support and resist sagging, while the top portion has lower density to maximize fluid absorption capacity. This spatial variation in material properties resolves the contradiction between fluid retention and shape maintenance.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional pad materials are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but the amount of liquid or gel that can be held is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from uniform density traditional pad materials to a gradient density structure. The fluid containment layer's density parameter varies continuously from top to bottom, enabling significantly higher fluid capacity. This is achieved through controlled fiber distribution and bonding parameters during manufacturing, balancing enhanced performance with manufacturability.
3Reliability
If the storage medium layer is filled with liquid or gel, then disinfection capability is enhanced, but the device must be discarded after a short period due to drying or depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a gradient density structure in the fluid containment layer before use. This structure is designed to maintain optimal fluid distribution and prevent drying out throughout the intended service period. The denser bottom portion acts as a reservoir that slowly supplies fluid to the upper absorption zones, ensuring sustained disinfection capability without premature depletion.
4Duration of action of moving object
If more liquid or gel is added to extend service life, then duration of action increases, but the device becomes heavier and more prone to sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating higher density material in the bottom portion of the fluid containment layer where structural support is needed, while keeping the top portion lighter for optimal fluid absorption. This spatial differentiation allows the device to hold sufficient fluid for extended service life without uniformly increasing weight, thereby maintaining resistance to sagging.
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 fluid containment layer effectively absorbs and retains a greater amount of liquid or gel, maintains even distribution, and provides controlled release, reducing waste and extending the life of the disinfection pad while maintaining effectiveness in high-touch areas.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid containment layer may have generally vertically oriented fibers... The vertically oriented fibers may be generally vertically oriented in an uncompressed state or prior to undergoing any compression operations
Implementation Method 2
The fluid containment layer absorbs and retains a liquid or gel... The fluid containment layer is capable of retaining a greater amount of fluid, such as a liquid, a gel, and/or a disinfecting material
Implementation Method 3
The fluid containment layer may have a gradient density structure, wherein through the thickness, the density increases from one surface to an opposing surface
Implementation Method 4
Liquid or gel is released upon a user exerting pressure on the pad containing the fluid containment layer
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid containment layer adapted to be used in a pad for absorption, containment, and/or controlled release of liquid or gel, where the fluid containment layer absorbs and/or holds a liquid or gel, such as a disinfecting liquid or gel. The fluid containment layer is resilient and returns to its original shape upon pressure applied thereto. The fluid containment layer includes generally vertically oriented fibers. The fluid containment layer may be used in a self-disinfecting pad.