Disinfectant Gel with Falling Particles for Application Time Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfectant compositions, such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers, lack a clear indication of the required application time, making it difficult for users to determine when the disinfection process is complete.
Innovation Solution
A disinfectant gel composition comprising alcohol, water, and water-insoluble particles that serve as indicators, falling off at the end of the application time to signal the completion of the disinfection process, with the particles providing both tactile and visual feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a disinfectant composition is used without particles, then the composition is simple and easy to apply, but the user cannot determine when the application time is sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses water-insoluble particles that are visible to the user as a color/visual indicator system. The particles are suspended in the disinfectant composition and provide visual feedback about the application time, allowing users to see when sufficient rubbing time has been achieved without adding complex monitoring devices.
2Reliability
If particles are added to indicate application time, then the user can determine when disinfection is complete, but the particles may interfere with the disinfection effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive water-insoluble particles that serve their purpose as indicators and then fall off or are rinsed away. These particles are not intended to remain on the skin indefinitely but to provide temporary visual feedback during the disinfection process, after which they are easily removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the indication function from the disinfectant's chemical properties and separates it into distinct visual particles. The particles are suspended in the composition but do not chemically interact with the active disinfectant ingredients, allowing the indication function to be separated from the disinfection function.
3Illumination intensity
If particles are used as indicators, then visual feedback is provided, but tactile feedback is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses particles with specific local properties - they are water-insoluble and have particular size ranges (0.01 mm to 1 mm) that optimize their visual visibility while minimizing negative tactile effects. The particles are distributed throughout the composition to provide uniform visual feedback without creating excessive roughness.
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
Ensures the user knows when the sufficient application time has been reached, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the disinfection process by providing clear feedback through the disappearance of particles.
Implementation Method 1
alcohol-based hand disinfectants... Alcohol is bactericidal, yeasticidal, fungicidal, and partially virucidal
Implementation Method 2
the volatile component evaporates, and the color of the pigment is barely discernible
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a disinfectant composition in the form of a gel, comprising at least one alcohol, water and at least one thickening agent, wherein the latter further comprises water-insoluble particles selected from a group comprising waxes, polymers and/or inorganic substances.