Multi-Layer Nonwoven Cleaning Substrate to Reduce Residue Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nonwoven materials for cleaning applications often disintegrate during use, fail to effectively collect particles, and may leave residues due to adhesive transfer, requiring multiple wipes for thorough cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer nonwoven material with a tacky additive, comprising synthetic and cellulose fibers, where the outer layers include bicomponent fibers and a pressure-sensitive adhesive, enhancing cleaning efficiency and particle collection without residue transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nonwoven material is treated with adhesive to collect particles, then particle collection capability is improved, but residue is transferred to the cleaned surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle collection capabilityVSAvoidresidue transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The nonwoven material is divided into multiple layers with distinct functions: a first layer containing adhesive for particle collection, and a second layer acting as a barrier to prevent adhesive transfer to the cleaned surface. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second nonwoven layer serves as an intermediary barrier between the adhesive-containing first layer and the cleaned surface. This intermediate layer prevents direct contact between the adhesive and the surface, thereby preventing residue transfer while still allowing the adhesive to collect particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If nonwoven material uses electrostatic properties to attract particles, then particle attraction is improved, but cleaning efficiency is insufficient requiring multiple wipes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle attractionVSAvoidcleaning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines electrostatically charged fibers with adhesive-treated fibers in the same nonwoven structure. The electrostatically charged portions attract and hold particles, while the adhesive-treated portions provide additional particle collection capability, creating a synergistic effect that enhances overall cleaning efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The nonwoven material is constructed as a composite structure containing different types of fibers with complementary properties: electrostatically charged fibers for particle attraction and adhesive-treated fibers for particle collection. This composite approach allows the material to leverage multiple mechanisms simultaneously for enhanced cleaning performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If nonwoven material is made durable to prevent disintegration, then structural integrity is improved, but flexibility and conformability to surfaces may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidflexibility and conformability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The nonwoven material combines different fiber types and bonding mechanisms to achieve both durability and flexibility. The multi-layer construction with electrostatic and adhesive bonding provides structural integrity, while the nonwoven fabric structure itself maintains flexibility and ability to conform to various surface geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 multi-layer nonwoven material achieves cleaning efficiencies of up to 60% for particles of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm in size, with improved tackiness and load-bearing capacity, outperforming commercial products in various cleaning scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

the outer layers include bicomponent fibers and a pressure-sensitive adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3402584B1Nonwoven cleaning substrate
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 GEORGIA PACIFIC MT HOLLY LLC
  • EP3402584B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3402584B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3402584B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to nonwoven materials and their use in cleaning articles. More particularly, the nonwovens are layered structures, which can include a tacky additive. The nonwoven materials can be used to attract and collect particles, and can have improved cleaning efficiency.