Dual-Purpose Cleaning Wipe Formulation for Skin and Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning and sanitizing formulations struggle to provide dual functionality for both skin and hard surface cleaning, as emollient components that hydrate skin often lead to streaking and residue on hard surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The formulation includes a nonwoven substrate with a cleaning composition containing a quaternary ammonium compound, a glycol ether solvent like diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and a preservative, which acts as an emollient on skin while minimizing surface residue on hard surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If emollient components are added to the formulation for skin hydration, then skin moisturizing ability is improved, but surface residue and streaking on hard surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter by substituting traditional emollients (oils, waxes, fatty alcohols) with glycol ethers. This parameter change allows the formulation to provide skin hydration without the adverse effect of leaving residue on hard surfaces, as glycol ethers have different solubility and evaporation characteristics compared to conventional emollients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the emollient component (glycol ether) serve dual functions: it provides hydration to skin tissue while simultaneously being compatible with hard surface cleaning. The glycol ether's molecular structure allows it to be absorbed or evaporate from skin without forming visible films, whereas traditional emollients would streak on surfaces.
2Productivity
If the formulation is optimized for hard surface cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but skin compatibility and moisturizing ability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by formulating a single composition that effectively cleans both hard surfaces and sanitizes skin. The glycol ether-based emollient system allows the same formulation to be used for multiple purposes (surface cleaning and hand sanitizing) without requiring separate products optimized for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation changes the emollient parameter from hydrocarbon-based oils to glycol ethers, which have different solubility profiles and evaporation rates. This parameter change enables the formulation to maintain cleaning effectiveness on surfaces while being gentler on skin, as glycol ethers are less irritating and provide moisturizing benefits.
3Reliability
If quaternary ammonium compound concentration is increased for better antimicrobial activity, then sanitizing ability is improved, but formulation stability and compatibility with other components worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surfactant system parameter by incorporating specific nonionic surfactants in combination with the quaternary ammonium compound. This parameter change enhances formulation stability and compatibility, allowing higher concentrations of antimicrobial agents to be used without causing precipitation, phase separation, or reduced effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining quaternary ammonium compounds with nonionic surfactants and glycol ethers in a synergistic formulation. This composite approach improves overall formulation stability and antimicrobial effectiveness, as the different components work together to maintain solubility and prevent interactions that would reduce stability.
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 glycol ether solvent effectively reduces surface residue and streaking on hard surfaces, providing effective skin hydration and sanitization without leaving a film, as demonstrated by comparative testing.
Implementation Method 1
where a sanitizing wipe is intended for sanitizing the skin of a person (e.g., for sanitizing hands), it may be less of a concern. Similarly, where a formulation may be intended for application to hands or other skin tissue, it may be desirable to include emollient components capable of hydrating and aiding the skin in retaining moisture.
Implementation Method 2
Cleaning product formulations with antimicrobial sanitizing abilities typically include high concentrations of lower alcohols (e.g., ethanol), and/or employ a quaternary ammonium compound as an antimicrobial agent.
Implementation Method 3
Reduction of the surface tension exhibited by such formulations is often directly related to the effectiveness of the wetting of solid surfaces and hence the antimicrobial processes, and can be manipulated through the use of mixtures of surfactants, as is known in the art.
Implementation Method 4
The cleaning composition may comprise from about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of a quaternary ammonium compound, less than about 4% by weight of an alcohol solvent containing a single hydroxyl group (i.e., a mono-alcohol)
Implementation Method 5
Reduction of the surface tension exhibited by such formulations is often directly related to the effectiveness of the wetting of solid surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to preloaded cleaning and sanitizing wipes comprising a nonwoven substrate, and a cleaning formulation loaded onto or within the nonwoven substrate. The cleaning composition may include about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of an antimicrobial compound comprising a quaternary ammonium compound, less than about 4% by weight of an alcohol solvent containing a single hydroxyl group, a preservative, about 0.05% to about 10% by weight of a glycol solvent (e.g., preferably a glycol ether solvent), about 0.05% to about 10% of one or more surfactants, and water. The composition may have a pH from about 4 to about 8.