Methods for measuring and quantifying surface cleanability of articles
US12350388B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2021/8427
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed are methods for quantifying the cleanability of a surface of an article, for instance an aircraft interior component. In embodiments, a solution containing an artificial “dirt” is introduced to a surface under test to simulate a sullied condition. The sullied surface is subjected to at least one cleaning process. Obtained reference and post-cleaning light measurements are compared to determine a measurement difference corresponding to a cleanability of the surface and/or effectiveness of the at least one cleaning process. In embodiments, the measurement difference is assigned a cleanability score for at least one of determining a passing or failing cleanability, modifying the cleaning process, indicating the need for a second or subsequent cleaning, modifying the barrier coating formulation, redesigning the article, etc. The disclosed methods provide solutions for objective verification measures of surface cleanability used to facilitate new article designs, materials, barrier coatings, cleaning processes, cleaners, etc.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.