Integrated Wetting Paper Roll for One-Hand Hygienic Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dry toilet paper and dry paper towels lack the moisture necessary for effective hygiene, leading to health issues and incomplete cleaning, as they do not provide the necessary wetting for proper cleaning and can leave residues and pathogens behind.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a latent wetting device within dry paper products, allowing users to activate the device with one hand to produce a wetted sheet, which includes an anti-microbial agent for enhanced cleaning and hygiene, maintaining the existing form and cost-effectiveness of dry paper products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dry toilet paper is used for cleaning, then it is convenient and inexpensive, but it does not provide adequate hygiene and leaves residue and pathogens behind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a latent wetting device that pre-contains liquid wetting agent and antimicrobial composition within the dry paper product structure. When activated by user pressure, this device releases the liquid to wet the paper and apply the antimicrobial composition, thereby performing the hygiene-enhancing action in advance before the cleaning function is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid wetting agent and antimicrobial composition as an intermediary substance between the dry paper and the contaminants. This intermediary enables the paper to transition from a dry state that cannot effectively clean to a wet state that can dissolve and remove stains, debris, and pathogens while maintaining convenience.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wet wipes are used to provide moisture and hygiene, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but cost increases and convenience decreases due to requiring separate storage and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dry paper product with a latent wetting device containing both liquid wetting agent and antimicrobial composition into a single integrated structure. This combination allows the paper to function as both dry blotting material and wet cleaning surface with antimicrobial protection, eliminating the need for separate wet wipe products and their associated storage and handling complexities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional paper product that can operate in multiple modes: as dry paper for blotting moisture, as wet paper for cleaning stains and debris, and as an antimicrobial treatment application. This universal design replaces the need for multiple separate products (dry paper, wet wipes, antimicrobial treatments) with a single versatile product.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If latent wetting device is integrated into dry paper product, then hygiene and wetting capability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functional components into distinct elements: a dry paper body, a latent wetting device with liquid reservoir, and an antimicrobial composition chamber. These segmented components are integrated through specific structural arrangements that allow independent manufacturing and assembly, managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible membranes and thin film structures to contain the liquid wetting agent and antimicrobial composition within the paper product. These flexible barriers maintain product integrity during storage while allowing controlled release when activated, achieving complex functionality through simple thin-film technology.
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 improved hygiene by allowing dry paper products to be used wet or dry, reducing the risk of infections and odor, while being more economical and convenient than using separate wet wipes, and is designed to be biodegradable and non-ejecting for easy disposal.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid agent is squeezed or pressed by the digits of one hand to thereby result in a non-ejecting release of the liquid agent by capillary action onto the paper
Data Source
AI summary
Dry, plied roll paper is transformed into hand wetted roll paper that may be used either dry, or selectively hand wetted using the device of the invention. The device is applied to the paper in liquid form, heated and cooled to form a plastic solid which becomes part of the paper. The device is then shaped into a container filled with an anti-bacterial cleaning agent, or other agent, and assembled on the paper between the top and bottom paper ply. The device is made on a modified roll-to-roll winding machine while the machine is in motion. This manufacturing method is more efficient than adding externally sourced batch-made wetting devices to paper. The hand wetted roll paper can be used as paper towels or toilet paper for dry and/or wet hygienic cleaning. The paper may have other properties depending on the agent used.