Sponge with an improved suds generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sponges either have quick but short-lasting foam generation or slow and long-lasting foam generation, leading to inefficient use of cleaning liquid during dishwashing, especially when used under running water, as they often result in excessive liquid loss and require frequent reapplication.
Innovation Solution
A sponge design featuring a porous layer with a cavity that allows for quick and long-lasting foam generation, achieved by optimizing the foam generating speed, density, absorption, and flexibility of the materials, along with a scouring layer and optional additional layers for enhanced performance, which enables efficient liquid absorption and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the sponge has quick suds generation, then the foam is generated rapidly, but the suds generation lasts only a short time
Solution Approach 1:
The sponge is divided into multiple functional layers with distinct pore size ranges. The first layer (closest to the user) has pores of 10-50 micrometers for rapid foam generation, while subsequent layers have progressively larger pores (50-100, 100-200, 200-500 micrometers) that store and gradually release cleaning liquid, enabling both quick initial foam generation and sustained long-term suds production.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sponge are assigned different pore size characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The surface layer is optimized for rapid foam generation with smaller pores, while deeper layers have larger pores for liquid reservoir function. This spatial variation in pore quality allows simultaneous optimization of both speed and duration of suds generation.
2Productivity
If cleaning liquid is applied on the sponge and the sponge is passed under running water, then the cleaning can be performed continuously, but a large part of the cleaning liquid is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sponge utilizes a multi-layer porous structure with controlled pore sizes to selectively retain cleaning liquid while allowing water flow. The hierarchical pore distribution (10-500 micrometers across layers) creates capillary forces that hold cleaning liquid in deeper layers, preventing it from being washed away by running water, while still allowing the sponge to function continuously under running water conditions.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the sponge has slow suds generation, then the suds generation lasts long, but the consumer must press the sponge many times to get enough foam
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented multi-layer structure separates the foam generation function (first layer with 10-50 micrometer pores) from the liquid storage function (deeper layers with larger pores). This allows the sponge to generate foam quickly when pressed, while the stored liquid in deeper layers ensures prolonged suds generation without requiring repeated pressing operations.
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 sponge optimizes cleaning liquid consumption by providing quick and sustained foam generation, reducing the need for frequent reapplication and minimizing liquid waste, thus enhancing cleaning efficiency and economy.
Implementation Method 1
the porous layer having a foam generating speed of less than 12 pressures
Implementation Method 2
enables efficient liquid absorption and distribution
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a sponge having at least one porous layer and at least one scouring layer, wherein the sponge has at least one cavity distinct from the pores of the sponge and emerging on a surface of the scouring layer forming an opening, and wherein at least one layer among the porous layer and the scouring layer has a high foam generating speed.