Antimicrobial Superabsorbent Polymer for Single-Step Surface Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces in hospitals, particularly those contaminated with biological soils like blood, are time-consuming and costly, requiring a two-step process and often involving two staff members.
Innovation Solution
A method using an antimicrobial cleaning composition with a liquid flexible superabsorbent polymer material and antibacterial agents, which is applied to the surface, dried to bond with contaminants, and then removed, allowing the antimicrobial agent to disinfect effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-step process (cleaning then disinfecting) is used to clean biological soils from hard surfaces, then effective disinfection is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires two staff members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cleaning and disinfecting into a single integrated step by using a cleaning composition that contains both cleaning agents and antimicrobial agents. This allows simultaneous removal of biological soils and disinfection of the surface, eliminating the need for separate cleaning and disinfecting steps and reducing labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning composition is designed to perform multiple functions: it cleans biological soils, disinfects the surface, and maintains contact for the required disinfection period. The composition universally addresses both cleaning and disinfection needs in a single application, making the process more efficient while maintaining effectiveness.
2Reliability
If two staff members are assigned to clean and disinfect the room, then thorough cleaning and disinfection are achieved, but labor costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single cleaning composition performs both cleaning and disinfection functions that previously required two separate staff members. By integrating these functions into one product and one step, the patent reduces labor requirements while maintaining the quality of both cleaning and disinfection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the cleaning agent by incorporating antimicrobial agents into the cleaning formulation. This parameter change allows the same composition to achieve both cleaning and disinfection, reducing the need for multiple staff members and associated time losses.
3Productivity
If the antimicrobial cleaning composition dries quickly, then removal is faster, but the disinfection period may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the evaporation rate parameter of the cleaning composition to ensure it remains on the surface long enough to achieve effective disinfection. The composition is formulated with appropriate solvent ratios and volatility characteristics that allow sufficient contact time for antimicrobial action while still enabling timely removal after the disinfection period expires.
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 method simplifies the cleaning and disinfecting process by eliminating the need for separate steps and reducing labor, while ensuring effective disinfection of hard surfaces within a mandated time frame.
Implementation Method 1
provide an antimicrobial cleaning composition that includes an antimicrobial agent, a liquid superabsorbent polymer including acrylic acid
Implementation Method 2
dry the antimicrobial cleaning composition to induce cross-linking in the superabsorbent polymer material to transition the liquid composition into a solid state
Implementation Method 3
an antibacterial agent having a disinfection period
Implementation Method 4
allow the antimicrobial cleaning composition to bond to the contaminant
Data Source
AI summary
An antibacterial cleaning composition for hard surfaces is made from a flexible superabsorbent material and an antibacterial agent. The composition can be applied to various liquid and solid surface contaminants, including blood, vomit, fecal matter, urine, glass, food, etc. The composition may be applied to the contaminated hard surface by several methods including pouring, rolling, spraying or foaming. Once cured, the antimicrobial cleaning composition is removed from the surface, taking the contaminant along with it and leaving behind a clean surface.