Alkaline Cleaning Composition with Alkyl Polyglycoside Surfactant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hard surface cleaning methods require extensive effort and multiple steps, including scrubbing and rinsing, which are not appealing to consumers and can lead to dirt accumulation, especially in kitchens, and existing compositions are not stable at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A hard surface cleaning composition comprising an alkyl polyglycoside and a secondary surfactant in a high weight ratio, combined with a high level of perfume, providing a pH of at least 10, which can be used in a 'spray, wipe, and let dry' method without rinsing, ensuring stability at low temperatures and effective cleaning with minimal effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional deep cleaning methods are used, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but consumer acceptance and ease of operation deteriorate due to extensive effort and multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the cleaning process into distinct functional components: the surfactant system (alkyl polyglycoside + secondary surfactant) handles cleaning, the high perfume level handles odor masking, and the alkaline pH handles soil emulsification. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving thorough cleaning while simplifying the overall user experience to just spray and wipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition is formulated with preliminary action built-in through its chemical composition: the alkaline pH (≥10) pre-softens and emulsifies soils, the surfactant system pre-lowers surface tension for better wetting, and the high perfume level pre-masks odors. This means the composition does its preparatory work before the user even applies it, eliminating the need for scrubbing and rinsing steps.
2Reliability
If multiple cleaning steps (scrubbing, rinsing, drying) are required, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple cleaning functions into a single composition application: cleaning (surfactant system), soil emulsification (alkaline pH), odor masking (high perfume level), and surface protection (wax/polish components). This merging allows all functions to be performed in one step, eliminating the need for separate scrubbing, rinsing, and drying steps, thereby dramatically improving productivity while maintaining thoroughness.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition is designed to be self-sufficient: the surfactant system self-emulsifies oils and greases, the alkaline pH self-softens soils, and the high perfume level self-masks odors without requiring additional mechanical intervention or rinsing. The composition performs its own preparatory and finishing functions, allowing users to simply spray and wipe, thus maximizing cleaning speed and productivity.
3Reliability
If conventional surfactant systems are used, then cleaning capability is maintained, but stability at low temperatures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite surfactant system combining alkyl polyglycoside (a non-ionic surfactant with excellent low-temperature solubility) and a secondary surfactant. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of each surfactant: the alkyl polyglycoside provides low-temperature stability and biodegradability, while the secondary surfactant enhances cleaning capability. The alkaline pH component further stabilizes the formulation at low temperatures by preventing surfactant precipitation. Together, they maintain both cleaning capability and low-temperature stability.
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 composition effectively cleans and provides a pleasant odor while being stable, reducing the number of cleaning steps and preventing dirt accumulation, offering a convenient and efficient light cleaning solution for kitchens.
Implementation Method 1
The composition comprises a surfactant system comprising an alkyl polyglycoside and a secondary surfactant in a high weight ratio
Implementation Method 2
The composition has a pH of at least 10, preferably at least 10.5 as measured at 20°C
Data Source
AI summary
An alkaline hard surface cleaning composition comprising a surfactant system comprising an alkyl polyglycoside and a secondary surfactant. The composition also comprises a perfume.