Portable stain removal kit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing stains from fabrics are cumbersome and require extensive pre-treatment processes, often necessitating a full wash cycle, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A portable stain removal kit comprising a solid stain removing material in a container that can be used with a handheld device providing water, steam, and heat, allowing for localized and quick stain removal without washing the entire fabric.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a liquid stain removing material is used, then the stain removal effectiveness is improved, but the stability and leakage prevention deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestain removal effectivenessVSAvoidmaterial stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the stain removing material from liquid to solid form. This phase change maintains the chemical effectiveness of the stain removing agents while eliminating leakage issues and improving storage stability. The solid form allows the material to be contained in simple containers without special leakage prevention mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a full wash cycle is used to remove stains, then the stain removal completeness is improved, but the time consumption and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestain removal completenessVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the stain treatment function from the full wash cycle process. By providing a portable kit with concentrated stain removing material that can be applied directly to the stained area, it separates the stain removal step from the complete garment washing process, allowing users to treat stains quickly without waiting for a full wash cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables preliminary action by allowing users to treat stains immediately upon discovery, before the garment needs to be fully washed. The portable kit with pre-packaged solid stain removing material can be applied on-spot, initiating the stain removal process early without requiring the entire washing sequence to begin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If extensive pre-treatment process is used, then the stain removal effectiveness is improved, but the process complexity and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestain removal effectivenessVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the stain removal process into a simple, focused application step using the portable kit, rather than requiring multiple complex pre-treatment steps. The solid stain removing material is designed to work effectively with minimal user intervention, simplifying the process while maintaining effectiveness.

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

Enables effective, quick stain removal on fabrics without the need for a full wash cycle, with the solid form of the stain removing material providing stability and preventing leakage, and the combination of chemical, water, and heat facilitating efficient stain treatment.

Implementation Method 1

The portable stain removal kit uses a combination of a chemical, water and/or steam, and optionally heat. This allows both for a good stain removing speed and result.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

With this solution of stain removing, a stain spot can be removed effectively without the need for washing the whole piece of fabric. With the portable stain removal kit a stain on a garment may not only be treated chemically, but the stain may also be diluted and rinsed.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDilution: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

The portable stain removal kit is intended to cooperate with a user handheld device able to provide water and/or steam and/or heat. The combination of chemical, water, and/or steam, and optionally heat allows for a good stain removing speed and result.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3383243B1Portable stain removal kit
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP3383243B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3383243B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3383243B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Portable stain removal kit (1) for locally removing a stained area on a fabric comprising a container (4) for containing a stain removing material (5) in a solid form, the container (4) being intended to be in direct contact with the stained area when the portable stain removal kit (1) is in use, whereby said portable stain removal kit (1) also comprises a base holder (3) for holding the container (4), and a cover (2) cooperating with the base holder (3) for enclosing the container (4) when the portable stain removal kit (1) is not in use.