Nonwoven Flat Mop Pockets for Washing Durability and Easy Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flat mop covers have inflexible pockets due to the rigidity of the three-layer cleaning sheet, making manufacturing and handling difficult and increasing material costs.

Innovation Solution

The flat mop cover features pockets made solely of non-woven material, specifically spunbond nonwoven, which provides the necessary stiffness for easy insertion of holding means and excellent washing durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pockets are made from three-layer cleaning sheet, then washing durability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing durabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the pocket function from the three-layer cleaning sheet structure and implements it using a separate nonwoven material layer. This separation allows the pockets to be manufactured independently and attached to the cleaning sheet, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining washing durability through the use of robust nonwoven material specifically suited for pocket construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material construction by combining the three-layer cleaning sheet with a separate nonwoven material layer for the pockets. This composite approach allows each material to be optimized for its specific function - the cleaning sheet for cleaning performance and the nonwoven material for pocket durability and ease of manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If pockets are made from three-layer cleaning sheet, then washing durability is improved, but handling difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing durabilityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By extracting the pocket structure from the rigid three-layer cleaning sheet and implementing it as a separate nonwoven component, the patent enables easier handling during insertion and manipulation while the nonwoven material itself provides sufficient durability to withstand repeated washing cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If pockets are made from three-layer cleaning sheet, then structural strength is improved, but material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepocket strengthVSAvoidmaterial costs
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the pocket function from the expensive three-layer cleaning sheet material and implements it using a separate nonwoven material layer. This separation reduces material costs by using the appropriate material only where needed (nonwoven for pockets, cleaning sheet for cleaning surfaces) while maintaining sufficient strength for the pocket function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4523593A1Durable flat mop cover
Publication Date: 2025.03.19 CARL FREUDENBERG KG
  • EP4523593A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4523593A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4523593A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a durable flat mop cover for arranging on a mop-cover holder comprising an elongate main body with a cleaning side directed to a surface to be cleaned and a backside opposite thereto, wherein at least one, preferably two, pockets, for insertion of holding means of the mop cover holder are arranged on the backside. The pockets consist of solely non-woven material thus facilitating the use and maneuverability of the mop and simplifying and cheapening the manufacturing.