Detergent Spray Nozzle Clogging via Branched Alkoxylated Alcohol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detergent compositions for hard-surface cleaning often clog spray nozzles, leading to uneven application and reduced user satisfaction, as larger orifices cause dripping and reduced visibility, while meshes intended to improve visibility result in gel formation and further clogging issues.
Innovation Solution
A detergent composition containing a branched alkoxylated alcohol and water, with a surfactant system and pressure regulation in the spray applicator, which reduces nozzle clogging and enhances cleaning kinetics without the need for a mesh, providing improved visibility and faster cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large spray orifice is used, then nozzle clogging is reduced, but droplet size uniformity and application evenness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the detergent formulation, specifically incorporating solvents with controlled volatility rates and surface tension modifiers. This allows the use of smaller spray orifices (0.5-2.0mm) while maintaining reliable spray performance and uniform droplet size distribution, resolving the contradiction between clogging resistance and droplet uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite detergent system combining multiple surfactants (anionic, nonionic, and cationic types) with specific solvents and additives. This composite formulation reduces surface tension and prevents gel formation in the nozzle, enabling smaller orifice sizes that produce more uniform droplets while maintaining clogging resistance through the synergistic effects of the composite materials
2Illumination intensity
If a mesh is applied to the spray nozzle, then spray visibility is improved, but gel formation and clogging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of gel formation by formulating the detergent with specific solvents and surfactant combinations that prevent gelation even in the presence of mesh screens. The formulation transforms the mesh from a clogging hazard into a beneficial visibility aid, as the controlled gel-prevention chemistry allows the mesh to remain clear while providing spray pattern visualization
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adjusts key formulation parameters including solvent volatility rate, surface tension, and pH to prevent gel formation. These parameter changes allow the use of mesh screens for improved spray visibility without the detrimental gel formation and clogging that would otherwise occur, as the modified chemical parameters keep the detergent fluidity compatible with mesh-based spray systems
3Reliability
If a large spray orifice is used, then clogging is reduced, but dripping at the nozzle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies formulation parameters including surface tension, viscosity, and volatility rate to control liquid behavior at the spray orifice. These changes enable smaller orifices that reduce dripping through better liquid control, while the anti-clogging properties are maintained through solvent selection and surfactant composition that prevent residue buildup
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates local quality differences in the detergent formulation by incorporating volatility modifiers and surface tension controllers that specifically affect the liquid properties at the spray orifice region. This local modification reduces dripping at the nozzle while maintaining overall formulation effectiveness and clogging resistance throughout the spray system
4Manufacturing precision
If fine droplets are sprayed, then distribution evenness is improved, but visibility on the surface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts formulation parameters including solvent volatility rate, surfactant concentration, and pH to enhance the visibility of fine droplets on treated surfaces. These parameter changes allow the use of smaller droplet sizes for even distribution while the modified chemical composition ensures the droplets remain visually detectable through controlled evaporation rates and surface interaction properties
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates visual enhancement agents such as dyes or opacity modifiers in the detergent formulation. These additives change the optical properties of the spray, making fine droplets more visible on the treated surface without affecting the droplet size distribution or cleaning performance, thus resolving the contradiction between distribution evenness and surface visibility
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 prevents nozzle clogging, ensures even application, and reduces scrubbing effort for effective cleaning, while maintaining surface shine and visibility, even on inclined surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a branched alkoxylated alcohol selected from the group consisting of: C4-C10 alkyl branched alkoxylated alcohols, and mixtures thereof
Implementation Method 2
spray applicator and a container-body, wherein the container-body comprises a detergent composition
Implementation Method 3
the visibility of the hard surface cleaning composition on the applied surface is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
The need for a container and detergent composition with reduced or no clogging of the spray nozzle, and improved visibility of the spray on the surface, even without the presence of a mesh in front of the spray nozzle and even when spraying at larger spray angles, is met when formulating the detergent composition to comprise a branched alkoxylated alcohol.