Aqueous Cleaning Composition for Acidic Wood Floor Neutralization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for refinishing wood floors with acidic finishes require extensive processes, including stripping and neutralization, and often result in a slimy precipitate or delamination when a new finish is applied, due to the acidic nature of the old finish.

Innovation Solution

A method and composition using an aqueous solution with a surfactant and buffering agent, such as triethanolamine, to raise the pH of the surface, allowing for effective cleaning, etching, and neutralization of the acidic finish, enabling the application of a new finish without forming a slimy precipitate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the old finish is removed by sanding or stripping, then the surface can be refinished, but the process requires several days to complete and involves multiple separate steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefinishing speedVSAvoidtime required for refinishing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate refinishing steps (cleaning, etching, neutralizing) into a single integrated composition that performs all functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate applications and waiting periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The composition is designed to perform multiple functions (cleaning, etching, and neutralizing) in a single product, allowing one application to replace several traditional refinishing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a new finish is applied to an acidic finish, then the surface can be refinished, but the new finish forms a slimy precipitate and may delaminate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of applying new finishVSAvoidbonding strength of new finish

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful acidic nature of the old finish into a beneficial neutralizing action by incorporating basic compounds that react with and neutralize the acid, transforming the problem into part of the solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The composition acts as an intermediary between the acidic old finish and the new finish, neutralizing the acid and creating a compatible surface that allows proper bonding of the new finish

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If multiple components are used separately for cleaning and neutralizing, then the surface can be prepared, but the process complexity increases and components may be used out of order

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of refinishing processVSAvoidnumber of separate components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate components (cleaning agents, etching agents, neutralizing agents) into a single integrated composition, eliminating the complexity of managing multiple products and their application sequences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach reduces the time and effort required for refinishing by directly neutralizing the acidic finish, preventing delamination and ensuring a smooth application of the new finish, thus improving the appearance and durability of the surface.

Implementation Method 1

a buffering agent, and a pH of greater than the pH of the acidic finish... etching the surface... neutralizing the acidic finish

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutralization: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The aqueous composition includes a surfactant... applying the aqueous composition to a surface comprising an acidic finish

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Implementation Method 3

etching the surface... The step of etching the surface may include use of a surface-working apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical etching: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS8097575B2Composition and method for cleaning and neutralizing a surface

Publication Date: 2012.01.17 NHANCE

AI summary

A method and new use of an aqueous composition including a surfactant and a buffering agent, wherein the new use and method include the steps of applying the composition to a surface with an acidic finish, etching the surface, and removing the aqueous composition. The removal may be by evaporation. A new finish may be applied to the surface. Methods are disclosed for the cleaning and neutralizing of an existing finish to allow for the application of a new finish. Also disclosed are compositions for the cleaning and neutralizing of an existing finish without complete removal of the existing finish. The compositions include a buffering agent configured to neutralize the existing finish, and a surfactant.