Pre-moistened cleaning pad

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pre-moistened cleaning pads, such as floor cleaning pads, have a short lifespan due to early loss of liquid composition and low capacity, as their attachment portions do not effectively store or replenish liquid, leading to reduced mileage and capacity.

Innovation Solution

Designing cleaning pads with attachment portions that have a higher pulp fiber content and a fibrous structure surface area comprising 75% to 98% protrusions, allowing for greater liquid storage and replenishment of the cleaning portion, ensuring longer usage and increased capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the attachment portion uses traditional fibrous structure with low protrusion percentage, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the liquid storage capacity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid storage capacityVSAvoidfibrous structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment portion utilizes a fibrous structure with controlled porosity and protrusions (75-98% protrusion surface area) to create capillary networks that store liquid composition. The porous fibrous material absorbs and retains liquid through capillary action, significantly increasing liquid storage capacity compared to traditional flat or low-protrusion structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment portion is pre-formed with a specific three-dimensional fibrous structure containing high protrusion density before liquid application. This preliminary structuring creates ready-made liquid storage reservoirs that immediately enhance capacity when liquid composition is applied, rather than requiring liquid to create the storage structure during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of moving object

If the cleaning pad loses liquid composition early, then the structure is simpler, but the mileage and usage duration are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning pad mileageVSAvoidliquid composition loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment portion acts as a self-replenishing liquid reservoir that automatically transfers liquid composition to the cleaning portion during use. As the cleaning portion loses liquid, capillary action and pressure differential cause liquid to flow from the attachment portion's stored supply, eliminating the need for external replenishment and extending mileage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment portion stores excess liquid composition in advance before the cleaning portion is depleted. This pre-stored liquid acts as a cushion that prevents early liquid loss from terminating the cleaning function, allowing the pad to continue operating beyond what a single-liquid-source design would permit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Quantity of substance

If the attachment portion has higher pulp fiber content, then the liquid storage capacity increases, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid storage capacityVSAvoidfibrous structure formation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention specifies a quantitative range for protrusion surface area (75-98%) and pulp fiber content parameters that optimize liquid storage while remaining achievable with standard manufacturing tolerances. By defining a range rather than a single precise value, the design accommodates normal manufacturing variations without compromising performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhanced attachment portions enable pre-moistened cleaning pads to maintain liquid composition longer, increasing their mileage and capacity, thus providing more effective cleaning without frequent replacements.

Implementation Method 1

the attachment portion fibrous structure surface area comprising greater than 75% to less than 98% of attachment portion protrusions... enabling pre-moistened cleaning pads to maintain liquid composition longer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

an attachment portion comprising a plurality of pulp fibers... greater liquid storage and replenishment of the cleaning portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11503977B2Pre-moistened cleaning pad

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

Pre-moistened cleaning pads, for example floor cleaning pads, that are suitable for attachment to an implement, such as a cleaning pad holder and handle, wherein the pre-moistened cleaning pads have an attachment portion comprising pulp fibers and a liquid composition, and methods for making same are provided.