Perfumed Melamine Foam Structure for Long-Lasting Odor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Melamine foam cleaning implements face challenges in maintaining effective odor control and longevity during repeated use on hard surfaces without the buildup of malodors, especially when used with food or drink soils.
Innovation Solution
A melamine foam cleaning implement with a thickness of at least 5 mm, incorporating a perfume source that is evenly distributed throughout the foam or within a supporting material, using matrix polymer-assisted delivery compositions and encapsulated perfumes to ensure consistent fragrance release and extended use without malodor buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If melamine foam cleaning implements are used repeatedly on hard surfaces with food or drink soils, then cleaning performance is maintained, but malodour builds up due to repeated wetting and soil accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of soil and moisture accumulation (which causes malodour) into a beneficial effect by incorporating perfume sources that release fragrance during repeated wetting and use. The perfume masks and neutralizes the malodour while the foam continues to clean, transforming the problematic repeated use into an opportunity for continuous fragrance delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces perfume sources as an intermediary substance between the user and the cleaning implement. This intermediary (perfume) mediates the interaction by releasing fragrance that counteracts the malodour generated during cleaning, allowing the foam to be used repeatedly without the harmful odor buildup affecting the user experience.
2Ease of operation
If thin melamine foam (less than 1 mm) is used in cleaning towelettes, then the implement is suitable for gentle cleaning, but it cannot effectively remove dried on or stubborn soils on uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite cleaning implement by combining melamine foam with supporting material layers. This composite structure integrates the gentle cleaning properties of thin melamine foam with the mechanical strength and durability of supporting materials, enabling the implement to effectively remove stubborn soils on uneven surfaces while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cleaning implement into multiple functional layers: melamine foam layers for cleaning action and supporting material layers for structural integrity. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, with the foam providing gentle cleaning and the support material providing the necessary strength for tackling stubborn soils.
3Device complexity
If melamine foam cleaning implements are used without separate cleaning adjuncts, then high performance cleaning is achieved, but there is risk of malodour buildup from repeated wetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single cleaning implement: the melamine foam provides cleaning action, while integrated perfume sources provide odor control. This merging eliminates the need for separate cleaning adjuncts or perfumes, maintaining simplicity of use while preventing malodour buildup through the combined cleaning and fragrance-delivering functions.
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 excellent hard surface cleaning with a pleasant odor throughout the lifespan of the implement, reducing the need for additional cleaning agents and minimizing malodor issues, ensuring consistent performance and consumer acceptance.
Implementation Method 1
a perfume source... using matrix polymer-assisted delivery compositions and encapsulated perfumes to ensure consistent fragrance release
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention envisages a cleaning implement comprising a melamine foam preferably having a thickness of at least about 5 mm and a perfume source, processes for making them and methods for using them.