Multivalent Citrate Salts for Odor Neutralization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current odor-neutralizing formulations either mask odors with fragrances, rely on acid/base neutralization, or use chemicals that pose health risks, failing to effectively eliminate unpleasant smells from sources like decomposition, excrement, and microorganisms without causing harm.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous solution of multivalent citrate salts, optionally combined with surfactants, chelating agents, and fragrances, is applied to saturate the odor source, allowing it to react and then absorb or dry, effectively reducing or eliminating odors without health risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If fragrance is introduced to mask unpleasant odor, then odor masking is achieved, but health problems occur for susceptible individuals who cannot recognize the original odor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of odorous compounds into a beneficial outcome by using oxidizing agents to chemically transform the odor-causing molecules into non-odorous substances. This approach eliminates the odor rather than masking it, thereby removing the health risk associated with fragrance masking while maintaining odor control effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the odorous compounds through oxidation reactions, transforming them from odorous to non-odorous states. By altering the chemical structure and properties of the odor-causing substances, the patent achieves effective odor elimination without introducing harmful masking fragrances.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If chemicals are used to neutralize odors, then odor reduction is achieved, but health risks increase as concentrations rise from continued use or increased exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses oxidizing agents to fundamentally change the chemical parameters of odor-causing compounds, transforming them into non-odorous substances. This chemical transformation approach eliminates odors at the molecular level without requiring high concentrations of masking chemicals, thereby reducing health risks from continued chemical exposure.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If agents that kill odor-producing microorganisms are used, then odor source elimination is achieved, but damage occurs to symbiotic microorganisms necessary for proper health upon inhalation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the approach from killing microorganisms to chemically transforming the odor-causing compounds they produce. By using oxidizing agents to neutralize the odorous molecules directly, the patent eliminates the odor source without harming beneficial microorganisms, thereby maintaining health while achieving odor control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical structure of odor-causing compounds through oxidation, transforming them into non-odorous substances. This approach addresses the odor problem at the molecular level rather than through microorganism elimination, preserving symbiotic microorganisms while effectively eliminating odors.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If acid/base neutralization is used to eliminate odors, then some odor reduction is achieved, but a wide range of odors cannot be effectively eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses oxidizing agents to fundamentally change the chemical parameters of diverse odor-causing compounds through oxidation reactions. This approach is versatile and effective across a wide range of odor types including decomposition odors, excrement odors, and microorganism-related odors, overcoming the limitations of acid/base neutralization which only works for specific odor types.
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 multivalent citrate salts composition efficiently neutralizes a wide range of odors, including those from smoke, decomposition, and biological excretions, without the health hazards associated with traditional methods, providing a safe and effective odor elimination solution.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention is a composition and method of using the composition to reduce or eliminate odors on a surface... an aqueous solution of multivalent citrate salts... allowing it to react
Implementation Method 2
absorbing the composition from the surface, thereby reducing, or eliminating the odor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a composition and method of using the composition to neutralize or eliminate odors on a surface. In one aspect, the chemical formulation is an aqueous solution of multi-valent citrate salts and a surfactant that may further comprise a chelating agent. The method comprises the steps of applying this formulation in sufficient volume to saturate the surface thereby neutralizing or eliminating the odor. In another aspect, the formulation of multi-valent citrate salts may be applied in solid form to an odorous aqueous solution or may be used to coat an absorbent matrix that is expected to receive an odorous aqueous solution.