Twisted Tubular Mop Web Structure Without Overwrap Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mop constructions face challenges in maintaining absorption, retention, and release properties while resisting tearing and lint generation, especially during laundering, due to issues with helical overwrap tension and adhesion bonding, which can lead to stress points and diminished capillary effects.
Innovation Solution
A tubular web element made from a strip of fabric with opposing longitudinal edges that are twisted to form a hollow tube with self-fused edge regions and gentle helical gaps, allowing for improved mechanical strength and retention of twist, absorption, and release properties, without the need for tightly controlled overwrap or adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If helical overwrap is used to maintain involutions, then the twist structure is maintained, but the capillary effect is inhibited and tension control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the helical overwrap component entirely, using only the self-fused adhesion points to maintain the involution structure. This extraction of the overwrap element eliminates the tension control complexity while preserving the twist structure through simpler adhesion bonding.
2Stability of the object's composition
If adhesion bonding is used to maintain involutions, then the twist structure is maintained, but stress points are created that lead to tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adhesion bonding only at specific localized points rather than continuously along the web element. These discrete adhesion points provide sufficient structural support to maintain the involution shape while minimizing stress concentration, thereby preventing tearing during laundering and use.
3Stability of the object's composition
If adhesion points are created to maintain twist, then the structure is stabilized, but capillary effect is reduced and lint generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses minimal adhesion bonding—only enough to maintain the involution structure—rather than continuous bonding. This partial application of adhesion preserves the capillary effect and reduces lint generation by minimizing the disruption to the web element's surface and fiber structure.
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 twisted tubular web element maintains effective absorption, retention, and release properties throughout multiple uses and launderings, preventing tearing and lint generation, and enhances scrubbing effectiveness on rough surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The opposing longitudinal edges have self-fused edge regions therealong
Implementation Method 2
the involutions/twists can be maintained by either overwrapping a helical strand about the web element or by applying adhesive along the web element. However, both of these approaches present problems.
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular web element is made from a strip of fabric having opposing longitudinal edges. The strip is longitudinally twisted to define a hollow tube having between approximately 0.01-0.95 turns per inch. At least one helical gap is defined between the opposing longitudinal edges of the hollow tube. The opposing longitudinal edges have self-fused edge regions. The hollow tube has self-fused longitudinally-extending regions between its opposing longitudinal edges.