Cleaning article having multi-layer gather strip element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning articles, such as rags, paper towels, and disposable dusters, are inadequate for cleaning large or heavily wetted surfaces as they can redeposit dirt, cause streaking, and damage flooring materials, especially newer dark and glossy surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A disposable cleaning article with a laminate construction featuring a hydrophilic gather strip element and an absorbent sheet, where the gather strip element comprises superimposed layers with varying lengths to present a dynamically changing surface area, reducing re-deposition and surface damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If disposable floor sheets with large amounts of absorbent cellulose are used to clean large or heavily wetted surfaces, then liquid absorption capacity is improved, but insoluble soils are not removed and soluble soils are inadequately absorbed causing streaking and filming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid absorption capacityVSAvoidstreaking and filming

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning article is divided into functionally distinct zones: a gather strip element with hydrophilic tow fibers for soil removal and an absorbent region with hydrophobic/bi-phase material for liquid absorption. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specialized function without interfering with the other, preventing streaking while maintaining high absorption capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the cleaning article have different material properties tailored to specific cleaning needs. The gather strip element uses hydrophilic materials optimized for soil pickup, while the absorbent region uses bi-phase materials optimized for liquid retention. This local differentiation ensures optimal performance in each functional zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If reusable microfiber pads are used for wet cleaning, then absorption of liquids is improved, but the floor may be damaged and filming/streaking still occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid absorptionVSAvoidfloor damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a disposable cleaning article with a sheet construction that is discarded after use, eliminating the need to wash and reuse microfiber pads. This disposable approach prevents floor damage associated with reusable pads while maintaining effective liquid absorption through the bi-phase absorbent material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If a generally flat floor sheet is used for cleaning, then ease of operation is improved, but the surface area presented to the floor is static and dirt can be re-deposited if saturated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidre-deposition of dirt

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gather strip element is configured to be mobile and flexible, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the floor surface and cleaning motions. This dynamic configuration enables continuous presentation of fresh absorbent surface area to the floor, preventing re-deposition of dirt while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 cleaning article effectively absorbs and retains liquids, minimizing streaking and surface damage while maintaining mobility and ease of use on diverse floor surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

the gather strip element comprises superimposed layers folded upon one another... hydrophilic gather strip element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

absorbs and retains liquids... hydrophilic gather strip element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

present a dynamically changing surface area... superimposed layers folded upon one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS11229343B2Cleaning article having multi-layer gather strip element

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A cleaning article. The cleaning article has a laminate construction. The cleaning article comprises a sheet and a hydrophilic gather strip element joined together at an elongate bond. The gather strip element has plural layers folded upon one another, providing strips extending outwardly from the bond. The folded layers provide a construction which allows the strips to advantageously present a dynamically changing area to the target surface during cleaning, under normal usage conditions. By changing the surface area, more liquids, and associated debris, can be cleaned from the target surface.