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 grip and comfort due to the use of synthetic materials, which can lead to slipping and poor handling, especially in the presence of surfactants and water.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer cleaning article with a substantially 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 and maintain grip, providing enhanced grip and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic materials are used for the cleaning article, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the grip and handling comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning article is divided into distinct functional layers: a gripping layer made of natural cellulose pulp fibers for hand contact, and a cleaning layer with abrasive fibers for surface cleaning. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning article combines natural cellulose pulp fibers in the gripping layer with synthetic abrasive fibers in the cleaning layer. This composite structure integrates the high friction and comfort properties of natural fibers with the cleaning effectiveness of synthetic materials.
2Reliability
If water is added to activate the cleaning composition, then the cleaning performance is improved, but the wet residue and slipping increase
Solution Approach 1:
The natural cellulose pulp fibers in the gripping layer provide high friction and water absorption locally at the hand contact point, preventing slipping and reducing wet residue feel without requiring the entire article to be wet for activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning composition is formulated to be activated by controlled water application, changing its physical state from dormant to active cleaning agent. The natural fibers absorb excess water, maintaining optimal moisture levels for activation while preventing excessive wetness.
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 reduced slipping, allowing for effective scrubbing and cleaning without leaving a wet residue, while maintaining a dry feel and extending the cleaning composition's usability through controlled water activation.
Implementation Method 1
The gripping layer may include a relatively high fraction (e.g., at least 40%) of pulp fibers to provide such improved grip. The mean hand grip value for the gripping layer may be at least 0.015 l/in2
Implementation Method 2
a moisture impermeable barrier to prevent water migration and maintain grip
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).