Backing pad for use in a stain removal process

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stain removal methods often require washing the entire garment and can lead to wetness and contamination around the stain area, as they lack effective fluid absorption and containment solutions.

Innovation Solution

A backing pad with a fluid-absorptive upper layer and a fluid-impermeable lower layer, incorporating superabsorbent materials and pH indicators, designed for quick stain removal without washing the whole garment, preventing fluid overflow and contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical agents are applied to remove stains locally, then stain removal effectiveness is improved, but fluid overflow and skin contamination occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestain removal effectivenessVSAvoidfluid overflow and skin contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The backing pad serves as an intermediary layer between the chemical agent and the user's skin, as well as between the treatment area and surrounding surfaces. It absorbs excess chemical agent and fluid, preventing direct contact with skin and preventing overflow onto surrounding areas, thus resolving the harmful effects while maintaining stain removal effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The backing pad uses a flexible, thin film structure that conforms to the treatment area. This thin film barrier effectively contains the chemical agent within the treatment zone while allowing the active ingredients to work on the stain, preventing both skin contact and surface contamination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If water or cleaning fluids are used for stain removal, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but drying time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddrying time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The backing pad incorporates superabsorbent materials with highly porous structures that rapidly absorb water and cleaning fluids through capillary action. This quick absorption removes excess moisture from the treatment area, significantly reducing drying time while maintaining the cleaning effectiveness of the applied agents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The backing pad uses composite materials combining superabsorbent polymers with other functional layers. This composite structure provides both excellent fluid absorption capabilities to reduce drying time and maintains the effectiveness of cleaning agents by preventing excessive dilution or runoff

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 backing pad significantly shortens drying time, prevents skin and surface contamination, and allows immediate reuse of treated fabrics by effectively absorbing and containing cleaning fluids, enhancing the efficiency and convenience of stain removal processes.

Implementation Method 1

The upper layer comprises a superabsorbent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuperabsorbent: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The upper layer comprises a superabsorbent polymer which absorbs and retains the fluid getting into contact with the upper layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

a lower layer being fluid-impermeable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 4

the superabsorbent is comprises a hydrophilic polymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophilic interaction: Hydrophile

Data Source

PatentEP3386366B1Backing pad for use in a stain removal process
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP3386366B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3386366B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3386366B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a backing pad (800) for locally removing stain spots on garments, said backing pad (800) comprises a fluid-absorptive upper layer (801) and a fluid-impermeable lower layer (802), whereby said upper layer (801) and said lower layer (802) are stacked on each other and the upper layer (801) comprises a superabsorbent.