Cleaning Formulation with Insect Growth Regulator for Long-Lasting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current household cleaning formulations lack an effective and long-lasting solution for controlling household insects, as they either provide temporary relief or lead to insect resistance over time.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning formulation containing 2-5 wt% non-ionic surfactant, 0.5-2 wt% alkyl ether sulphate, 0.001-0.1 wt% insect growth regulator, 0.3-2 wt% fragrance, and 0.01-1 wt% formaldehyde, applied to hard surfaces, which provides up to 40 days of insect control without affecting the nervous system of insects and reducing resistance development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional insect repellent materials (N-alkyl neoalkanamides) are used in cleaning formulations, then insects are repelled from surfaces, but the effect is temporary and insects develop resistance over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical mechanism from temporary repellent action to long-lasting growth regulation. By incorporating insect growth regulators (IGRs) that interfere with insect development cycles, the formulation achieves prolonged control lasting months rather than days, fundamentally altering the duration parameter of insect control effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple active ingredients including surfactants, alkyl ether sulphates, insect growth regulators, and adjuvants in a synergistic formulation. This composite approach enhances both the immediate cleaning effect and the long-term insect control, resolving the contradiction between temporary repellent action and sustained protection
2Productivity
If insecticides are applied to control household insects, then insect population is reduced, but resistance develops over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the nervous system targeting mechanism from conventional insecticides and replaces it with growth regulation mechanisms. By focusing on insect development cycles rather than nervous system disruption, the formulation avoids the resistance development pathway inherent in traditional insecticides, maintaining long-term effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the periodic nature of insect development cycles (egg to larva to pupa to adult) and targets each stage with growth regulators. This periodic intervention prevents continuous population growth and maintains control efficiency over extended periods without selecting for resistance
3Ease of operation
If cleaning formulations are used routinely, then surfaces remain clean, but insect control effect diminishes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional cleaning formulation that simultaneously performs cleaning, disinfecting, and long-term insect control. By integrating growth regulators into the routine cleaning formulation, the same product used for daily cleaning also provides sustained insect protection, eliminating the need for separate insect control treatments
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 formulation effectively controls common household insects like cockroaches and ants for an extended period, with repeated use showing significant larval mortality and prevention of new generations, while minimizing resistance development.
Implementation Method 1
from 2 to 5 wt% non-ionic surfactant; from 0.5 to 2 wt% alkyl ether sulphate, preferably C 10 -C 14 alkyl ether sulphate with 1 to 3 ethoxylations
Implementation Method 2
from 0.01 to 1 wt% formaldehyde 37% solution
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a cleaning formulation comprising a cleaning agent and an insect growth regulator (IGR) and to a method for indoor control of household insects comprising applying a cleaning formulation comprising a cleaning agent and an insect growth regulator (IGR).