Three-Layer Cleaning Cloth for Dry Dusting and Wet Degreasing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current maintenance articles are not reusable, economical, or ecological, and fail to meet the needs of both the general public and professionals for effective dust collection, wiping, and degreasing, often requiring separate items for dry and wet environments.

Innovation Solution

A maintenance article with three layers: a first outer layer of microfiber loops, a second outer layer of textured yarns, and an intermediate absorbent layer, allowing for effective dust collection and degreasing in both dry and wet conditions, with a surface mass less than 350 g/m² for reduced water and detergent consumption, and featuring a Velcro-compatible design for ergonomic handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single maintenance article is used for both dry dust collection and wet degreasing, then versatility and ecological benefits improve, but the article becomes too heavy and absorbs excessive water

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The maintenance article is divided into three distinct layers: a first outer layer with microfiber loops for dust collection, a second outer layer with textured yarn loops for degreasing, and a lightweight intermediate foam layer for absorbency. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while keeping the overall article lightweight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the article have different properties tailored to specific functions. The first outer layer has fine microfiber loops optimized for trapping dust particles, the second outer layer has coarser textured yarn loops for abrasive degreasing action, and the intermediate layer provides selective absorbency. This local differentiation enables the article to handle both dry and wet cleaning tasks effectively without becoming overly heavy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If textured yarns with count greater than 1.11 dtex are used in the second group of loops, then abrasive effect for degreasing improves, but friction resistance increases reducing user comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegreasing effectivenessVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The article features two distinct groups of loops with different properties: the first group with fine microfiber loops (≤1.11 dtex) for low-friction dust collection, and the second group with textured yarn loops (>1.11 dtex) for high-friction degreasing. This local quality differentiation allows the article to provide effective degreasing where needed while maintaining low friction in areas used for dust collection, thus preserving user comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning surface is segmented into alternating columns of the two loop types, with the first group forming more than half of the loops. This segmentation ensures that the low-friction microfiber loops dominate the overall feel during dust collection, while the textured yarn loops provide localized abrasive action for degreasing when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of substance

If the surface mass is reduced to less than 350 g/m², then water and detergent consumption decreases, but the article may lack sufficient absorbency for effective cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater consumptionVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate layer is made of foam material with a porous structure that provides high absorbency relative to its weight. This foam layer can hold water and detergent reservoirs, providing sufficient absorbency for effective cleaning while keeping the overall surface mass below 350 g/m², thus reducing water and detergent consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The article combines three different materials: microfiber for dust trapping, textured yarn for degreasing, and foam for absorbency. This composite structure allows each material to contribute its specific properties, achieving effective cleaning with minimal water and detergent usage while maintaining a lightweight design.

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 article is reusable, economical, and ecological, providing effective dust collection and degreasing capabilities in both dry and wet environments, reducing water and detergent usage, and simplifying cleaning protocols for professionals, while maintaining user comfort and ergonomic efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the fineness of the fibers easily embedding in the roughness of said surface and whose entanglement creates a network trapping the particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

whose entanglement creates a network trapping the particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical entanglement: Friction

Implementation Method 3

the second group of loops with textured threads provide, particularly in a humid environment, a noticeably abrasive effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 4

a noticeably abrasive effect combined with the microfibers of the first group providing their significant absorbent and degreasing power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 5

an intermediate foam layer... forms a water reserve when washing the surface to be treated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 6

The intermediate layer, preferably in sponge-type foam or foamed polymers, forms a water reserve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2134227B1Upkeep article
Publication Date: 2013.12.04 DECITEX
  • EP2134227B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The subject of the present invention is an upkeep article (1) for use in a dry or damp environment, having at least three layers, a first layer (2) and a second external layer (4), and an absorbent intermediate layer (3), characterized in that: said first external layer (2) presents on its so-called cleaning surface (5) a first group (8, 10, 12) of loops (7) alternating with a second group (9, 11) of loops (7), said first group (8, 10, 12) comprising microfibres and said second group (9, 11) comprising threads having a numbering greater than 1.11 dtex, and in that said upkeep article (1) has a surface density less than 350 g/m2.