Reusable Microfiber Cleaning Sheet With Folds for Low-Friction Mopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable cleaning sheets for wet mopping are costly due to the need for multiple layers and engineered materials, leading to high financial and environmental costs, and either require frequent replacement or result in suboptimal cleaning when reused.
Innovation Solution
A reusable microfiber cleaning sheet with structures such as folds or loops to reduce friction with the cleaning surface, allowing for effective wet mopping with reduced cleaning force and maintaining high cleaning efficiency, compatible with existing cleaning devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable cleaning sheets use multiple layers and engineered materials to withstand wet cleaning, then cleaning durability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional non-woven fabric to microfiber material, which has superior absorbency and cleaning properties. This single material substitution provides both wet and dry cleaning capabilities without requiring multiple layers, thereby improving durability while controlling manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite microfiber material that combines hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties in a single layer. This composite material structure eliminates the need for multiple separate layers while providing both wet mopping and dry dusting functionality, resolving the contradiction between durability and manufacturing cost
2Reliability
If disposable cleaning sheets are designed for wet mopping with engineered materials, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters to use reusable microfiber that can be washed and reused multiple times. This parameter change from single-use to multi-use material directly reduces waste generation and environmental impact while maintaining high cleaning effectiveness through the superior properties of microfiber material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of the cleaning sheet through washing. Instead of discarding the cleaning sheet after one use, the microfiber material can be washed and reused multiple times, significantly reducing environmental impact while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
3Device complexity
If reusable cleaning sheets are made without friction-reducing structures, then material simplicity is maintained, but cleaning force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming loops or raised portions on the cleaning sheet surface. These curved structures reduce the contact area between the cleaning sheet and the floor, thereby reducing friction and the force required for pushing the mop while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through the microfiber material properties
4Ease of manufacture
If disposable cleaning sheets are made simple for dry dusting, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but wet cleaning capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cleaning sheet universal by designing it to perform both wet mopping and dry dusting functions. The microfiber material with its specific absorbency and surface properties enables the single cleaning sheet to effectively handle both wet and dry cleaning tasks, eliminating the need for separate cleaning sheets for different purposes
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 reusable microfiber cleaning sheet balances cleaning effectiveness and force, enabling efficient wet and dry mopping with reduced material usage and environmental impact, allowing for easy washing and reuse while minimizing the force required for cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning sheet includes means for reducing the friction between the microfiber cleaning sheet and the surface being cleaned. The means for reducing friction can, in some embodiments, include one or more structures, such as folds, formed on the sheet.
Data Source
AI summary
Cleaning sheets are provided, which attach to known wet and/or dry cleaning devices such as a mopping device. The cleaning sheets are reusable and have material and/or a geometric configuration that provides efficient cleaning performance, while maintaining a predetermined cleaning force during use.