Stain-Neutralizing Surface Composition for Durable Soft-Surface Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for restoring and enhancing the appearance of surfaces such as carpets, rugs, draperies, and upholstery often fail to completely remove stains and maintain the original aesthetic, as subtractive processes are ineffective and additive processes are not commonly applied to these surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A composition and method involving a liquid carrier with polymers or resins that form dry particles greater than 1 micron in size, which can be applied to surfaces to neutralize stains through removal or affixation using energy, allowing for temporary or permanent masking of stains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If subtractive processes (cleaning, chemical removal) are used to restore surfaces, then some stain removal is achieved, but the surface cannot be restored to its original state and stains reappear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stain material from the surface through chemical action, then separately applies a cosmetic composition to mask the remaining stain. This two-step extraction and masking approach addresses the limitation of pure subtractive processes by removing what can be removed while providing permanent cosmetic coverage for residual staining.
Solution Approach 2:
The cosmetic composition functions as a composite material system combining multiple components: film-forming polymers for adhesion and coverage, pigments for color matching and masking, and various additives for durability. This composite approach enables permanent masking while maintaining surface aesthetics.
2Reliability
If additive processes (painting, wallpapering, laminating) are used to improve surface aesthetics, then permanent coverage is achieved, but these processes are not commonly applied to soft surfaces like carpets and upholstery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cosmetic composition by using a liquid carrier system with specific viscosity and drying characteristics. The composition is formulated to transition from a liquid state during application to a dried film state, enabling it to be applied to soft, flexible surfaces like carpets and upholstery while still providing permanent masking. This parameter adjustment makes additive masking adaptable to soft surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The cosmetic composition acts as an intermediary material that bridges the gap between traditional additive processes (designed for hard surfaces) and soft surfaces. The liquid carrier and film-forming properties enable the composition to conform to and adhere to flexible, soft materials, thereby extending additive masking technology to previously unsuitable substrates.
3Reliability
If a composition forms dry particles greater than 1 micron in size on the surface, then durable masking is achieved, but the composition must be substantially removed or affixed using energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition by formulating the composition to dry and form solid particles greater than 1 micron in size. This phase change from liquid to solid creates a durable, mask-like structure that provides permanent coverage. The dried particles can then be either vacuumed removed or affixed to the surface, offering flexibility in the final state while ensuring durability through the solid particle formation.
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
Effectively neutralizes and masks stains on various surfaces, including soft and hard materials, by forming durable, visually appealing finishes that enhance the appearance and extend the life of the surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the composition to substantially dry on the surface to form substantially dry particles greater than about 1 micron in size attached to the surface
Implementation Method 2
applying energy to the composition to substantially affix the composition to the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for neutralizing a stain on a surface. The compositions useful in the present disclosure include a composition that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the composition may be substantially removed from the surface to remove a portion or substantially all of the stain before being affixed to the surface. If a user desires to remove the composition from the surface, the composition is formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. If the user desires to affix the composition to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, the composition may be affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical. The compositions may also be utilized in the form of a kit or in conjunction with a design device, such as a stencil, to control the application of the composition to create, for example, a pattern on the surface.