Low-moisture cloud-making cleaning article
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning products, especially wet wipes and sprays, often contain harsh chemicals and require excessive liquid, which can be counterproductive for germ removal and are inconvenient to use, leading to reduced effectiveness and safety concerns, particularly in households and for cleaning electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A low-moisture cleaning article with a fabric substrate having pores and liquid water at elevated moisture levels, allowing for effective germ removal through vaporization and condensation, achieving >99% bacteria removal without disinfectants or surfactants, by utilizing a 'cloud cleaning' mechanism that mimics natural rain and dew formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid cleaners and saturated wet wipes are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but harmful chemical exposure and safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the moisture content parameter from high (saturated wet wipes) to low (6-15% moisture), and from chemical-based to water-based cleaning, achieving effective germ removal without harsh chemicals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water (liquid to vapor) through friction-generated heat during wiping, creating a cloud cleaning effect that removes germs without chemical residues
2Reliability
If spray cleaners and moist disinfecting wipes are used, then germ removal capability is improved, but device complexity and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of spray cleaner application and wiping into a single disposable article, eliminating the need for separate spray bottles and application steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses disposable cleaning articles that are pre-moistened and discarded after single use, eliminating the need for rinsing, drying, and storage of reusable cleaning tools
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cleaning fluids and moist wipes are stored away from countertop, then safety is improved, but frequency of use decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable articles that can be safely stored near countertops without contamination risk, enabling frequent use without safety concerns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from chemical-based to water-based formulation, allowing safe storage near food preparation areas and increasing accessibility for frequent use
4Object-affected harmful factors
If dry cleaning substrates are used, then chemical exposure is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses friction-generated heat to evaporate moisture from the cleaning article, creating a cloud cleaning effect that enhances germ removal effectiveness without chemicals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-moistens the cleaning article with water before use, enabling the phase transition mechanism to occur during wiping and achieve effective germ removal
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 low-moisture cleaning articles efficiently remove germs from surfaces, achieving high efficacy while being chemical-free and convenient, with moisture levels as low as 6-10% water by weight, enhancing friction and dielectric properties for improved germ removal.
Implementation Method 1
Germ removal is aided by moisture that is supplied in the cleaning article sheet
Implementation Method 2
The dislodged germs are then sequestered within the pore structure of the sheet and prevented from re-depositing on the cleaned surface
Implementation Method 3
the substrate includes a treatment to increase the dielectric constant from the dielectric constant of the substrate without the treatment
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning article includes a cleaning article sheet comprising a fabric substrate, wherein the fabric substrate includes pores therein, and wherein the fabric substrate has a background moisture percentage by weight, and liquid water disposed substantially and disconnectedly within the pores, wherein the liquid water is at moisture percentage by weight that is 5 to 150 percentage points higher than the background moisture percentage. The nonwoven substrate can include pores formed between and/or within the fibers and can have a background moisture percentage by weight. The substrate can include a treatment to increase the dielectric constant from the dielectric constant of the substrate without the treatment. The moisture of the article can be configured to exhibit a dielectric constant of at least 50% and up to 600% higher than the dielectric constant of the same article with only background moisture.