Low-Viscosity Fabric Spray Composition for Wrinkle Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fabric treatment methods require chemical bonding with the fabric for anti-wrinkle properties, which is not applicable to all fabric types and lacks a convenient, non-rinse cycle solution for wrinkle removal and softening.

Innovation Solution

A portable, spray-dispersible liquid chemical composition containing a combination of wrinkle remover, fabric softener, and viscosity reducer, formulated as an aqueous mixture with a viscosity of 1.0 to 2.0 centipoise, allowing for easy application without a washing machine, using a dispensing bottle with a spray nozzle and flow rate regulating mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical bonding treatment is applied to fabric for anti-wrinkle properties, then wrinkle resistance is improved, but applicability to all fabric types deteriorates and fabric breathability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-wrinkle propertiesVSAvoidapplicability to all fabric types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment system is segmented into two independent components: a substrate-containing composition applied to the fabric, and a separate activating solution. This segmentation allows the substrate to remain on the fabric surface without chemical bonding, enabling universal applicability across different fabric types while maintaining wrinkle resistance through the activation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary activating solution that triggers the wrinkle-resistant effect without requiring permanent chemical bonding to the fabric. The substrate remains on the fabric surface and is activated by the solution, serving as a mediator that enables wrinkle resistance while preserving fabric breathability and universal compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If rinse-cycle fabric conditioning is used, then fabric softness and static control are improved, but convenience deteriorates due to requirement of washing machine rinse cycle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric softeningVSAvoidrequirement of washing machine rinse cycle
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate-containing composition is applied to the fabric in advance, before the actual softening action is needed. The substrate remains dormant until activated by the separate solution, allowing the fabric to be treated and softened without requiring a full rinse cycle in the washing machine, thus simplifying the process while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If permanent press finishes are applied to fabric, then wrinkle resistance is improved, but fabric breathability deteriorates due to coating or crosslinking filling interstices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrinkle resistanceVSAvoidfabric breathability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the substrate application from the activation step, the system avoids the need for coatings or crosslinking that would fill fabric interstices. The substrate remains on the surface and is activated in situ, providing wrinkle resistance while preserving the fabric's natural breathability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The activating solution serves as an intermediary that enables wrinkle resistance without requiring permanent chemical bonding or coating formation. This mediator approach allows the substrate to function without filling fabric pores, thus maintaining breathability while achieving the desired wrinkle-resistant effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Effectively removes wrinkles and softens fabrics without chemical bonding, providing a convenient, versatile, and durable solution for various fabric types, reducing the need for ironing and maintaining a smooth, ready-to-wear appearance.

Implementation Method 1

a spray nozzle in fluid communication therewith, and a homogenous solution housed within the reservoir... upon actuating the spray nozzle, the solution is caused to expel outwardly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpray atomization: Spray

Implementation Method 2

a homogenous solution includes between 40% and 45%, by weight, of a wrinkle remover; between 40% and 45%, by weight, of a fabric softener; and between 10% and 20%, by weight, of a viscosity reducer... having a viscosity level between 1.0 and 2.0 centipoise

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscosity reduction:

Data Source

PatentUS10435831B1Fabric treating accessories and associated use thereof
Publication Date: 2019.10.08 HARRY OGISTE RITA
  • US10435831B1 patent drawing
  • US10435831B1 patent drawing
  • US10435831B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus includes a dispensing bottle including a reservoir and a spray nozzle in fluid communication therewith, and a homogenous solution housed within the reservoir. Such a homogenous solution includes between 40% and 45%, by weight, of a wrinkle remover; between 40% and 45%, by weight, of a fabric softener; and between 10% and 20%, by weight, of a viscosity reducer. Advantageously, the solution is an aqueous mixture having a viscosity level between 1.0 and 2.0 centipoise at 25 degrees Celsius wherein, upon actuating the spray nozzle, the solution is caused to expel outwardly and away from the reservoir due to its low viscosity characteristics.