Multilayer cleaning article with gripping layer and dry surface contact layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for hard surfaces, such as countertops, lack effective gripping mechanisms, leading to slippage issues, especially when used with surfactants and water, and fail to provide a comfortable and reliable grip for the user.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer cleaning article with a dry surface contact layer containing abrasive fibers and a gripping layer composed of at least 40% natural cellulose pulp fibers, along with a moisture impermeable barrier to prevent water migration, enhancing grip and preventing the cleaning composition from reaching the gripping layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning article uses a dry surface contact layer with abrasive fibers and pre-loaded cleaning composition, then cleaning effectiveness on hard surfaces is improved, but the article may slip out of user's hands due to lack of gripping characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning article is divided into functionally distinct layers: a dry surface contact layer with abrasive fibers for cleaning effectiveness, and a separate gripping layer with high pulp fiber content (at least 40%) for enhanced grip stability. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cleaning article have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The surface contact layer uses synthetic abrasive fibers for scraping and agitation, while the gripping layer uses natural cellulose pulp fibers for friction and grip, creating local quality differentiation that resolves the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and grip stability.
2Reliability
If the cleaning composition includes surfactants and water for effective cleaning, then cleaning performance is improved, but the gripping layer may become slippery and lose grip characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
A moisture impermeable barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary between the cleaning composition-containing contact layer and the gripping layer. This barrier prevents water and surfactants from migrating to the gripping layer, thereby maintaining the gripping layer's friction characteristics and grip stability while allowing the cleaning composition to perform its cleaning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The moisture impermeable barrier is pre-installed between layers to prevent the harmful effect of water migration before it can occur. This preliminary protective measure ensures that even when water is applied during cleaning, the gripping layer remains dry and maintains its grip characteristics.
3Reliability
If the contact layer is made abrasive for effective material removal, then cleaning capability is improved, but the contact layer feels scratchy and dry which may reduce user comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The article segments the abrasive function and the user contact function into separate layers. The surface contact layer contains the abrasive synthetic fibers for effective material removal, while the gripping layer provides a softer, more comfortable surface for user contact, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning capability and user comfort.
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 solution provides improved grip and comfort during use, preventing the cleaning article from slipping, even when wet, and allows for effective cleaning without leaving a wet residue, with the dry contact layer activating upon water contact to aid in removing stuck-on soils.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture impermeable barrier to prevent water migration
Implementation Method 2
the abrasive contact layer is better able to scrape and agitate materials that may be adhered to the hard surface being cleaned
Implementation Method 3
the cleaning composition may be activated by running water over the contact layer surface... Upon contact with the water, the cleaning composition is activated, e.g., beginning to foam and suds, aiding in breaking up and removing spills and soils
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention teaches multilayer cleaning articles that include a substantially dry surface contact layer and a gripping layer. The contact layer may represent one exposed major face of the cleaning article (e.g., a cleaning pad), while the gripping layer may represent the opposite exposed major face of the cleaning article. The contact layer may include abrasive synthetic fibers, so as to be effective in scrubbing soils and spills from a surface. The contact layer includes a cleaning composition pre-loaded therein. The cleaning composition is such that the contact layer feels dry to the touch prior to use, before wetting with water. The cleaning composition may include about 1% to about 40% by weight water. The gripping layer includes at least 40% by weight of pulp fibers (e.g., natural cellulose pulp fiber), and exhibits a mean hand grip value that is at least 0.015 l/in2 (reciprocal inches squared).