Laundry Stain Pretreatment Sheet with Controlled Cleaning Agent Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry stain pretreatments face challenges in consistently applying the right amount of cleaning agent, leading to wastage and skin irritation due to varying fabric types and user application pressures, with liquid pretreatments being difficult to control and semisolid sticks being variable in application.
Innovation Solution
A laundry stain pretreatment sheet comprising a water soluble or dispersible carrier layer, a removable separator layer, and a layer of cleaning agent composition, where the cleaning agent is sandwiched between the carrier and separator layers, allowing for controlled application and reduced skin contact, with improvements including a thermoformed carrier layer and release agent-treated underside for easier handling and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid pretreatment is sprayed onto stained fabric, then the stained areas can be treated, but it is difficult to consistently control the amount applied leading to excess liquid pooling and skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning agent is pre-applied to the carrier layer at controlled amounts during manufacturing, eliminating the need for user measurement and application control. This preliminary action ensures consistent, non-wasteful application to the stain.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier layer acts as an intermediary between the cleaning agent and the fabric. It pre-holds the cleaning agent in controlled amounts and transfers it to the stain during application, preventing direct pooling of excess liquid on the fabric and reducing skin irritation risk.
2Measurement precision
If semisolid pretreatment sticks are rubbed onto fabric, then stains can be treated, but the amount applied varies with user pressure leading to inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning agent is pre-applied to the carrier layer at precise, controlled amounts during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates variability in application amount that occurs with manual rubbing of semisolid sticks.
Solution Approach 2:
The pretreatment sheet is designed to self-adhere to the fabric when pressed, eliminating the need for manual rubbing or pressure variation. The sheet itself performs the application function without requiring user skill or consistent force.
3Reliability
If more cleaning agent is applied to ensure stain coverage, then stain removal effectiveness improves, but skin irritation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning agent is applied locally and precisely to the stained area through the pretreatment sheet, rather than broadly across the fabric. This localized application ensures sufficient cleaning agent concentration at the stain site for effective removal while minimizing overall exposure and skin irritation risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier layer serves as a controlled delivery system that transfers the cleaning agent directly to the stain. This intermediary function ensures adequate cleaning agent application for effectiveness while containing and controlling the amount available for potential skin contact.
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 a controlled, non-wasteful application of cleaning agent directly to stains, reducing skin irritation and simplifying the application process while ensuring effective stain removal during laundering.
Implementation Method 1
a water soluble or water dispersible carrier layer
Implementation Method 2
a water soluble or water dispersible carrier layer
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry stain and soil pretreatment sheet including a water soluble or water dispersible carrier layer, preferably polyvinyl alcohol, a removable separator layer, and a layer of cleaning agent composition therebetween. The separator layer is removed, the composition layer is adhered to a stain on clothing, and the clothing is laundered. The carrier layer dissolves or disperses during the laundering. The separator layer can be water soluble or water dispersible. Depressions can be provided in the carrier layer to hold the layer of cleaning agent composition. Without the separator layer, a sheet of the carrier layer can be folded over to hold the cleaning agent composition.