Sealed Mop Cloth Containers for Spill-Free Floor Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor cleaning methods in commercial settings often result in residual contaminants on surfaces due to inadequate cleaning of mop heads, and there is a need for a more efficient and cost-effective way to prepare and reuse cleaning solutions, while minimizing spills and maintaining cleanliness in sensitive areas.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a trolley with a hermetically sealable container to pre-saturate microfiber mop cloths with cleaning and disinfecting solution by osmosis, allowing for efficient transport and reuse of mop cloths, reducing contact with soiled materials, and minimizing spills by preparing solutions in a laundry facility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mop heads are cleaned in a bucket at the site of use, then cleaning materials can be readily applied, but the mop head does not get properly cleaned and residue remains on the floor surface
Solution Approach 1:
The invention prepares cleaning solutions and mop heads in advance in a laundry facility rather than at the site of use. Mop heads are pre-soaked in cleaning solution and stored in a prepared state, eliminating the need for on-site mixing and preparation. This preliminary action ensures both readiness of materials and proper cleaning effectiveness without residue contamination.
2Productivity
If concentrated cleaning and disinfecting materials are mixed at the site of floor cleaning, then cleaning solutions can be prepared on demand, but spills can damage floor surfaces and contaminate environmental air
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the hazardous mixing operation from the cleaning site and relocates it to a laundry facility. Concentrated cleaning and disinfecting materials are mixed and diluted in advance in a controlled environment, then transported as ready-to-use solutions. This removes the source of potential spills and air contamination from sensitive areas while maintaining solution availability.
3Reliability
If disposable mop head materials are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but cost becomes too expensive for commercial basis
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a recovery system where reusable mop heads are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and restored in a laundry facility after use. Instead of discarding mop heads after single use, they are recovered, cleaned of contaminants, and prepared for reuse. This cycle maintains cleaning effectiveness while significantly reducing material costs compared to disposable alternatives.
4Ease of operation
If mop cloths are saturated by dipping in a bucket, then cleaning solution is applied to cloths, but the cloths may not achieve optimum moisture content and spillage can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention pre-saturates mop cloths with cleaning solution in a controlled laundry facility setting rather than by simple dipping at the use site. Cloths are soaked, pressed to achieve optimal moisture content, and prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation ensures precise moisture control and prevents over-saturation and spillage during actual cleaning operations.
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
This system ensures optimal moisture content for effective cleaning and disinfecting, reduces labor and costs by allowing multiple uses of microfiber mop cloths, and maintains cleanliness by preventing spills and contamination in sensitive areas.
Implementation Method 1
pre-saturate microfiber mop cloths with cleaning and disinfecting solution by osmosis
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for cleaning and/or disinfecting floor surfaces. A floor service trolley defines mop cloth container receptacles and a soiled mop cloth receptacle. Rectangular tapered mop cloth containers are supported by the container receptacle and define an upper sealing rim. A closure defines a seal recess containing a sealing member establishing a seal between the upper sealing rim and the closure preventing leakage of liquid from the container when it is inverted. Mop cloths are stacked within the container and are evenly pre-impregnated with cleaning solution by adding cleaning solution to the container of mop cloths, assembling the closure in sealed relation with the container and inverting the container for a sufficient period of time for saturation of the mop cloths by action of osmosis.