Cleaning article with preferential rheological solid composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning articles, such as rags, paper towels, and nonwoven sheets, face issues with hygiene, reach, and convenience, while existing rheological solid compositions lack sufficient firmness, aqueous phase expression, and thermal stability, making them unsuitable for effective hard surface cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning article featuring a rheological solid composition with a crystalline mesh of fiber-like crystalline particles, comprising a crystallizing agent with 13-18 carbon atoms, providing firmness, thermal stability, and controlled aqueous phase expression, which forms a self-supporting structure that releases water and actives upon application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning articles (rags, paper towels, nonwoven sheets) are used, then cleaning function is provided, but hygiene issues arise and reach to hard-to-access places is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable cleaning swabs with a single-use design. The cleaning head is discarded after one use, eliminating cross-contamination risks while maintaining effective cleaning performance. This disposable approach resolves the hygiene contradiction by ensuring each cleaning action uses a fresh, uncontaminated tool.
2Duration of action of moving object
If reusable dust gathering devices are used, then reach and reusability are improved, but hygiene problems persist and they require manual cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between reusability and hygiene by implementing a disposable cleaning head design. The handle can be reused, but the cleaning head is replaced after each use, combining the benefits of reusability for the structural component with hygiene assurance through single-use consumables.
3Reliability
If microfiber pads are used for wet cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but they damage floors and leave filming/streaking after repeated washings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from conventional microfiber to a specialized blend including polyester, polyamide, and cellulose fibers in specific ratios. This composition modification provides effective cleaning while preventing floor damage and streaking. The unique fiber blend and weight (13-18 gsm) create optimal cleaning performance without the harmful effects of traditional microfiber.
4Ease of operation
If nonwoven sheets are used for dry cleaning, then single-use convenience is achieved, but they lack durability and require additional manufacturing complexity for enhanced performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite nonwoven structure combining different fiber types (polyester, polyamide, cellulose) in specific proportions. This composite approach enhances the durability and performance of the single-use sheet without compromising convenience. The multi-fiber composition provides superior strength and cleaning capability compared to conventional single-fiber nonwovens.
5Quantity of substance
If existing rheological solid compositions are used, then aqueous phase expression is achieved, but they lack sufficient firmness and thermal stability for commercial viability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the composition parameters by incorporating specific ingredients including silicones, polymers, and crystallizing agents in precise amounts. These compositional adjustments provide both adequate aqueous phase expression (15-40%) and sufficient thermal stability (>50°C), resolving the contradiction between substance expression and composition stability.
6Quantity of substance
If existing rheological solid compositions are used, then aqueous phase expression is achieved, but they lack sufficient firmness for practical application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the firmness parameter by modifying the composition to include specific thickening agents, polymers, and crystallizing agents in optimized concentrations. The firmness is tuned to a specific range (0.5-5.0 N) that provides adequate structural support while maintaining the ability to express aqueous phase upon application, resolving the contradiction between firmness and substance expression.
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 offers a cleaning article that is firm enough to stand on its own, thermally stable for shelf life, and capable of controlled aqueous phase expression, addressing the limitations of existing compositions and enhancing cleaning efficacy and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a crystalline mesh of a relatively rigid, three-dimensional, interlocking crystalline skeleton framework of fiber-like crystalline particles
Implementation Method 2
If compressed above a critical stress, the mesh allows the rheological solid composition to express the entrapped aqueous phase
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning article for cleaning a target surface is provided that includes a substrate having a first surface and second surface and a rheological solid composition comprising a crystallizing agent and an aqueous phase.