Deep Eutectic Solvent Cleaning Composition for Burnt-On Soil Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashing methods are inadequate for efficiently removing tough, burnt-on food soils, often requiring prolonged soaking and harsh chemicals that can be abrasive and inconvenient, especially with the increased use of microwave ovens.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning composition comprising a hydroxy acid, a hydrogen bond acceptor or donor, and a surfactant, specifically formulated with a deep eutectic solvent ratio of hydroxy acids to choline chloride or hydrogen bond donors, which creates a deep eutectic liquid with a low melting point, enhancing solubility and stability, and providing effective solubilization of perfumes while maintaining a high gloss level on surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cleaners and cleaning equipment are used, then everyday cleaning needs are met, but removal of heavily encrusted and burnt on soils remains ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning composition by using deep eutectic solvents with specific molar ratios (e.g., 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10) of hydrogen bond donor to hydrogen bond acceptor, creating a composition that effectively removes burnt-on soils without requiring prolonged soaking or heavy scouring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite cleaning system consisting of deep eutectic solvent (combining hydrogen bond donor and acceptor), surfactant, and optional additives working synergistically. The deep eutectic solvent itself is a composite of multiple components (e.g., choline chloride with organic acids like levulinic acid, lactic acid, or succinic acid) that together provide enhanced cleaning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If prolonged soaking is used to remove tough soils, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoil removal effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The deep eutectic solvent composition with optimized molar ratios changes the chemical parameters to enable rapid penetration and dissolution of burnt-on soils, achieving effective cleaning in a short duration without prolonged soaking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical scouring and prolonged soaking with a chemically active deep eutectic solvent system that rapidly dissolves and lifts soils through chemical interaction, reducing both time and physical effort required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If heavy scouring is applied to remove encrusted soils, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to surface damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoil removal effectivenessVSAvoidsurface abrasion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical scouring with a chemically-based deep eutectic solvent system that dissolves and emulsifies burnt-on soils through chemical interaction rather than mechanical abrasion, effectively removing soils without damaging surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The surfactant and deep eutectic solvent act as intermediaries between the cleaning system and the soil, enabling gentle chemical detachment and emulsification of burnt-on residues without requiring harsh mechanical scrubbing that could damage surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If specialty pre-treatment products are used for tough soil removal, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple products required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetough soil removal effectivenessVSAvoidconvenience of use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple cleaning functions (pre-treatment, surfactant action, and soil removal) into a single deep eutectic solvent-based composition, eliminating the need for separate pre-treatment products and simplifying the cleaning process to one step

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The deep eutectic solvent composition provides multi-functional capability, serving as both pre-treatment and cleaning agent in one product, applicable to various types of soils and surfaces without requiring product switching or special application procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

5Reliability

If harsh high pH cleaners are used for tough soil removal, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to abrasiveness on hands and surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoil removal effectivenessVSAvoidskin and surface irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pH parameter from high (harsh) to neutral or mildly acidic by using deep eutectic solvents based on organic acids and choline chloride, achieving effective soil removal without the skin and surface irritation caused by high pH cleaners

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the traditionally harmful high pH property into a benefit by using the hydrogen bonding capability and chelating action of the deep eutectic solvent components to dissolve and remove soils effectively while maintaining a gentle, non-irritating formulation safe for skin and surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 removes tough food soils with reduced scrubbing effort, maintains perfume stability and solubility, and leaves a high gloss finish on surfaces, offering improved cleaning efficiency and sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

A cleaning composition is disclosed comprising a hydrogen bond donor, a hydrogen bond acceptor, and a surfactant. The hydrogen bond donor and hydrogen bond acceptor are present at a molar ratio of from about 5:1 to about 1.5:1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding: Van der Waals Force

Implementation Method 2

specifically formulated with a deep eutectic solvent ratio of hydroxy acids to choline chloride or hydrogen bond donors, which creates a deep eutectic liquid with a low melting point, enhancing solubility and stability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeep eutectic solvent formation:

Implementation Method 3

The composition includes a hydroxy acid, a hydrogen bond acceptor, and a surfactant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Implementation Method 4

The composition effectively removes tough food soils with reduced scrubbing effort

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical dissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS20250011688A1composition

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A composition is disclosed. The composition includes a hydroxy acid, a hydrogen bond acceptor, and a surfactant. The hydroxy acid and hydrogen bond acceptor are present at a molar ratio of from about 5:1 to about 1.5:1.