Dissolvable Wet Wipe Using PVA Material to Prevent Sewer Blockages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wet wipes contribute to blocked sewage pipes and environmental pollution, necessitating a dissolvable solution that meets Sewage Network Abuse Protocol criteria and is non-harmful.
Innovation Solution
A dissolvable wet wipe made from non-woven synthetic yarn, preferably Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) material, coated with water-soluble fibers and resin, designed to break down in cold, warm, or hot water without chemical aids, featuring specific physical properties and optional additives for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional wet wipes are used, then cleaning function is provided, but sewage pipe blockages and environmental pollution occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional non-dissolvable textiles to water-soluble materials (PVA, cellulose derivatives) that transform their dissolution state based on environmental conditions. The wipe maintains structural integrity during use but automatically dissolves in sewage water, eliminating blockages while preserving cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining water-soluble base materials with functional coatings and reinforcements. This includes layered compositions of PVA, cellulose acetate, or carboxymethyl cellulose with embedded cleaning agents, creating a material that provides both cleaning performance and controlled dissolution properties.
2Stability of the object's composition
If water-soluble materials are used, then dissolvability is improved, but structural strength during use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary strengthening actions by impregnating the water-soluble base material with binding agents, resins, or cross-linking compounds before use. These pre-applied substances create temporary structural reinforcement that maintains wipe integrity during handling and cleaning tasks, then dissolves or detaches when exposed to sewage water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates dynamic material properties where the wipe transitions from a strong, stable state during use to a dissolvable state in sewage. This is achieved through conditional material design where structural integrity is maintained under dry or controlled conditions but automatically activates dissolution when exposed to specific environmental triggers like sewage water.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If dissolvable material is used, then environmental harm is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manufacturing process into distinct functional layers: a water-soluble base material layer, functional coating layers with cleaning agents, and optional reinforcement layers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled through standardized processes, managing complexity while achieving environmental goals.
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 dissolvable wet wipe effectively prevents sewer blockages, is environmentally friendly, and suitable for diverse cleaning tasks, including medical and industrial uses, while maintaining structural integrity until exposed to water.
Implementation Method 1
the wipe is easily dissolvable by cold, warm or hot water with no aid of any chemical agents
Implementation Method 2
the wipes are impregnated with a stabilising liquid such as almond oil, mineral oil, baby oil or such like. This maintains the integrity soluble fibres until exposed to water
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A moist or wet wipe comprising or consisting of a non-woven wet laid material which contains or consists of soluble material and is coated or impregnated with cleaning or moisturising substances.