Hard Surface Cleaning Composition Using Organic Acids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hard surface cleaning solutions fail to meet evolving environmental standards for pH levels and are overly reliant on corrosive acids, necessitating a formulation that is less acidic while maintaining effective cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
A hard surface cleaning solution comprising a combination of lactic acid, gluconic acid, lauramine oxide, and propylene glycol ether, with a pH range of 2.4 to 3.25, which minimizes corrosive acids and uses less corrosive organic acids to achieve effective cleaning and descaling without affecting the pH significantly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong inorganic acids and corrosive organic acids are used to achieve effective cleaning and descaling, then cleaning performance is improved, but environmental compatibility and surface safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by replacing strong inorganic acids with weaker organic acids (lactic acid, gluconic acid, citric acid), thereby reducing corrosiveness while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through optimized acid combinations and concentrations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite cleaning formulations combining multiple organic acids with surfactants, solvents, and additives to achieve synergistic effects that maintain cleaning performance while reducing individual acid concentrations and overall corrosiveness
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pH level is reduced to meet current environmental standards (pH > 2.0), then environmental compliance is improved, but cleaning effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes pH parameters within the 2.0-3.25 range by adjusting organic acid concentrations and types, demonstrating that effective cleaning can be achieved at higher pH levels through careful formulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite formulations with multiple organic acids that have different pH contributions and cleaning mechanisms, allowing the system to maintain effectiveness across a broader pH range while meeting environmental standards
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pH level is increased to meet future stricter environmental standards, then environmental compatibility is improved, but descaling capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent formulates the cleaning solution with pH-adjustable organic acid combinations that can be tuned to higher pH levels (up to 3.25) while maintaining descaling effectiveness through the chelating properties of specific organic acids like gluconic and citric acid
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses organic acids as intermediary substances that can function at higher pH levels compared to inorganic acids, providing a bridge between environmental requirements and cleaning effectiveness through their unique chemical properties
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 solution effectively removes soap scum, hard water stains, and rust from surfaces while meeting stricter environmental standards, maintaining cleaning performance and reducing adverse effects on surfaces, with a pH level that can further increase with aging, ensuring compliance with future regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a first organic acid comprising a carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, glycolic acid, formic acid, citric acid and acetic acid; a second organic acid comprising a carboxylic acid different from the first organic acid and selected from the group consisting of gluconic acid, glycolic acid, formic acid, citric acid and acetic acid
Implementation Method 2
a surfactant selected from the group consisting of amine oxides
Implementation Method 3
a solvent selected from the group consisting of ether alcohols
Data Source
AI summary
A hard surface cleaning solution having improved cleaning and descaling properties. The cleaning solution includes the following components: a first organic acid, a second organic acid, a surfactant, a solvent and a diluent. The first organic acid is a carboxylic acid, preferably lactic acid, while the second organic acid is also a carboxylic acid, preferably gluconic acid. The surfactant is selected from the group consisting of amine oxides, preferably lauramine oxide. The solvent may be an alkoxylated alcohol, preferably selected from the propylene glycol ether class of compounds.