Sanitizing wipe package
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfectant wipe containers fail to ensure the user recognizes when the disinfectant properties are compromised due to incomplete closure, leading to evaporation of liquid components and loss of disinfectant effect, particularly with solutions containing multiple volatile components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating nonwoven fibers with lignin and a dye in the disinfectant solution, which causes noticeable color changes when exposed, indicating the loss of volatile components and ensuring the user knows when the disinfectant wipes can no longer be safely used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dispensing opening is left open for a short period of time to allow easy access to disinfectant wipes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the liquid components may evaporate and the disinfectant effect is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color change indicators that visually signal when the disinfectant solution has evaporated or degraded. The indicator changes color in response to environmental conditions (such as humidity or presence of alcohol), providing a clear visual cue to users that the disinfectant is no longer effective, even if the wipe appears moist. This resolves the contradiction by giving users reliable information about disinfectant efficacy without requiring them to constantly check composition ratios.
2Reliability
If the dispensing opening is sealed to maintain disinfectant properties, then the reliability of disinfectant effect is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The color change indicator provides continuous visual feedback about the internal environment of the container. When the seal is intact and disinfectant properties are maintained, the indicator shows one color state. When the seal is compromised or evaporation occurs, the indicator changes color, allowing users to verify proper sealing and disinfectant integrity without opening the container.
3Measurement precision
If the user checks the composition ratio of liquid components to ensure disinfectant efficacy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex compositional analysis with a simple color change indicator that responds to environmental conditions indicative of evaporation or degradation. The indicator provides precise information about disinfectant efficacy through visual color changes, eliminating the need for users to measure or analyze the actual composition ratios of liquid components.
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 color change effectively communicates the loss of disinfectant efficacy, preventing the use of compromised disinfectant wipes and maintaining hygiene standards by ensuring users recognize when the solution's composition has been altered.
Implementation Method 1
Both the dye and decomposition, particularly due to oxidation of the lignin, can cause significant color changes on a partially exposed disinfectant wipe.
Implementation Method 2
If the disinfectant solution contains alcohol and water, the alcohol evaporates much faster than the water, so the volume ratio of the two components changes continuously.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a disinfectant wipe container with a receiving container (2) having a dispensing opening (1) and a plurality of disinfectant wipes (4) made of nonwoven material arranged in the receiving container (2), which are impregnated with a disinfectant solution comprising at least two liquid components. According to the invention, the nonwoven material comprises lignin-containing fibers and/or the disinfectant solution contains a dye.