Multilayer Cleaning Pad With Dry Scrub Layer and Wet-Slip Grip Control
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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 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, providing enhanced grip and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If synthetic materials are used for the cleaning article, then the abrasive contact layer can effectively scrape and agitate adhered materials, but the gripping layer becomes slippery and provides poor grip when wet with surfactants and water
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning article is divided into distinct functional layers: an abrasive contact layer for cleaning effectiveness and a gripping layer with natural cellulose pulp fibers for improved grip. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping layer uses composite materials combining natural cellulose pulp fibers with synthetic fibers. The natural cellulose pulp fibers provide high friction and grip even when wet, while the synthetic fibers maintain structural integrity. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.
2Productivity
If the contact layer is pre-loaded with cleaning composition containing water and surfactants, then cleaning performance is enhanced, but the surface becomes wet and migrates to the gripping layer causing slippage
Solution Approach 1:
A moisture barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary between the wet cleaning composition in the contact layer and the gripping layer. This barrier prevents water and surfactant migration to the gripping layer, maintaining grip stability while allowing the contact layer to retain full cleaning performance with pre-loaded composition.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin film moisture barrier is used to prevent water migration from the contact layer to the gripping layer. This thin film allows the cleaning composition to remain effective and wet in the contact layer while blocking moisture transmission, thus maintaining grip reliability on the gripping layer.
3Ease of operation
If natural cellulose pulp fibers are used in the gripping layer, then grip and comfort are enhanced, but the layer becomes more absorbent and may retain excess moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture barrier layer acts as an intermediary that controls moisture distribution. It allows the natural cellulose pulp fibers in the gripping layer to maintain their high-grip, comfortable characteristics while preventing excessive moisture absorption and retention, thus balancing grip enhancement with moisture management.
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 enhances grip and comfort during use, preventing the device from slipping and allowing effective scrubbing without leaving a wet residue, while maintaining the cleaning composition's dry touch feel and extending its usage.
Implementation Method 1
the abrasive contact layer is better able to scrape and agitate materials that may be adhered to the hard surface being cleaned
Implementation Method 2
the abrasive contact layer may be pre-loaded with a hard surface cleaning composition... the contact layer exhibits a scratchy and dry feel
Implementation Method 3
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 1/in2
Implementation Method 4
A moisture impermeable barrier may be provided between the gripping layer and the contact layer... the barrier layer prevents migration of cleaning composition from the contact layer to the gripping layer
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 1/in.sup.2 (reciprocal inches squared).