Reversible Color-Changing Nonwoven Wipe for Sanitizer Recharge Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fabric wipes with color indicators only change color once and do not revert to their original color after recharging with sanitizing solution, limiting their multiple use potential.
Innovation Solution
A nonwoven wipe coated with a reversible color-changing ink formulation that includes a polymer binder, plasticizer, wetting agent, ionic stabilizer, and anionic indicator, which changes color in response to sanitizer concentration and reverts back to the original color upon recharging, allowing for multiple cycles of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fabric wipe is impregnated with antimicrobial composition and indicator dye, then the wipe can indicate when the antimicrobial composition is exhausted, but the indicator only works once and does not revert to original color after recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a reversible color-changing ink formulation that changes color in response to sanitizer concentration and reverts back to the original color upon recharging. This allows the indicator to cycle between states multiple times, transforming the indicator from a single-use component to a reusable one that maintains reliability across multiple use cycles.
2Measurement precision
If the indicator dye bonds preferentially to the antimicrobial composition, then the color change indicates exhaustion, but the original color does not return after recharging with impregnant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by creating an indicator system that can repeatedly indicate sanitizer depletion and recharge status across multiple cycles. The reversible color-changing ink maintains its indicator function continuously through multiple use and recharge cycles, eliminating the need to replace the indicator after a single use and ensuring uninterrupted monitoring of sanitizer levels.
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 nonwoven wipe provides a reliable indication of sanitizer depletion and extended use life by reversibly changing color, ensuring proper sanitizer concentration throughout multiple uses until the wipe becomes soiled or damaged.
Implementation Method 1
a reversible color-changing ink formulation... which changes color in response to sanitizer concentration and reverts back to the original color upon recharging
Data Source
AI summary
A nonwoven wipe having a reversible sanitizer indicator for multiple uses and recharges is provided. The nonwoven wipe includes a cloth-like nonwoven fabric coated with a reversible color-changing ink formulation. During use, the nonwoven wipe is impregnated with a quaternary ammonium compound-based sanitizer. When the level of free quaternary ammonium compound falls below a threshold level, the color-changing ink formulation changes from a first color to a second color, indicating the need to recharge the wipe. When the nonwoven wipe is recharged with sanitizer solution, the color-changing ink formulation changes back to the first color.