Multilayer Cleaning Wipe Structure for Uniform Wetting and Soil Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional premoistened cleaning wipes are inadequate for cleaning a variety of surfaces and detritus due to their single-layer structure, lack of rigidity, and non-uniform wetting, which limits their effectiveness on different textures and types of materials.

Innovation Solution

A premoistened multilayered cleaning wipe comprising a liquid-permeable first layer and a second layer, with channels and a free liquid cleaning composition, allowing for adjustable fluid transport and surfactant distribution to effectively clean diverse surfaces and detritus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single-layer nonwoven fibrous material is used for cleaning wipes, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cleaning efficacy on different surfaces and materials is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidcleaning efficacy on different surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning wipe is divided into multiple layers, each with distinct functions: a first layer for absorption and a second layer for cleaning action. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific purpose, improving overall cleaning efficacy while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material construction by combining different nonwoven fibrous materials in multiple layers. The first layer uses highly absorbent material while the second layer uses material with cleaning properties, creating a composite structure that addresses multiple cleaning requirements simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If a single texture is used for the wipe, then the structure is uniform and easy to manufacture, but it cannot effectively clean all kinds of surfaces and materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability to different surfaces and detritus

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the cleaning wipe have different textures and properties: the first layer has a texture optimized for absorption while the second layer has a texture optimized for cleaning specific types of detritus. This local quality variation allows the wipe to effectively clean diverse surfaces without complicating the overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple single-layer structure is used, then the wipe is easy to manufacture, but it lacks sufficient rigidity and tends to ball-up during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidrigidity and structural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The wipe structure is segmented into multiple layers with the first layer providing structural support and rigidity while the second layer provides cleaning functionality. This segmentation allows the rigid first layer to prevent balling-up while the second layer maintains cleaning efficacy, all while keeping the manufacturing process simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If a single-layer structure is used, then the wipe is simple in structure, but it cannot provide uniform wetting with cleaning composition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural complexityVSAvoiduniformity of wetting

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning wipe is segmented into a first layer for absorbing cleaning composition and a second layer for distributing it uniformly. This segmentation enables uniform wetting across the wipe surface while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes and structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 multilayered design enhances cleaning efficacy by providing a soft compliant surface for light soiling and an abrasive surface for heavy soiling, while the channels and surfactant distribution ensure thorough cleaning and soil removal, making it suitable for various surfaces and materials.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid permeable first layer joined in facing relationship to a liquid permeable second layer; a plurality of channels in a material selected from the group consisting of the first layer, the second layer, and combinations thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a free liquid cleaning composition comprising between about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of the liquid cleaning composition of surfactant, the cleaning composition releasably absorbed in the wipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS8997296B2Multilayered cleaning wipe

Publication Date: 2015.04.07 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A multilayered premoistened cleaning wipe.