Edible Cleaning Composition Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cleaning products are not suitable for quick and safe cleaning of objects that come into contact with the mouth, as they are often toxic, not edible, and not portable, lacking all-natural, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial formulations with pleasant fragrances and tastes.

Innovation Solution

A portable, all-natural, non-toxic, edible cleaning solution comprising apple cider vinegar or acetic acid, Stevia Leaf Extract, Reb-A, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate, which is safe for use on objects that may be placed in the mouth, offering anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties without the need for rinsing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cleaning products are used, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but safety for oral use deteriorates (toxic and non-edible)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using food-grade ingredients (apple cider vinegar, citric acid, Stevia) instead of conventional toxic cleaning chemicals. This parameter change maintains cleaning effectiveness while eliminating toxicity, allowing the product to be safe for oral use on items like pacifiers and utensils.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite cleaning solution combining multiple natural ingredients (apple cider vinegar, citric acid, Stevia leaf extract, essential oils) that work together to provide both cleaning effectiveness and safety. The composite formulation achieves disinfection capabilities comparable to conventional products without the harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional cleaning products are used, then disinfection capability is achieved, but edibility and safety for consumption deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisinfection capabilityVSAvoidedibility safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts potentially harmful strong acids into safe forms by using food-grade citric acid and apple cider vinegar at controlled concentrations. These ingredients provide disinfection capability while being inherently safe for consumption, turning what could be harmful substances into beneficial safe cleaning agents.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts the concentration parameters of active ingredients to achieve effective disinfection (3 log reduction) while maintaining edibility. The formulation uses specific concentrations of apple cider vinegar (0.5-20%) and citric acid that are sufficient for disinfection but safe for oral consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If manual washing with soap and water is used, then cleaning is achieved, but convenience and portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconvenienceVSAvoidcleaning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent formulates a ready-to-use cleaning solution that eliminates the need for preliminary water access and manual rinsing steps. The product comes pre-mixed in portable containers, allowing users to apply it directly to items needing cleaning without any preparation or follow-up rinsing, saving significant time and effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential cleaning and disinfection functions into a single portable product, removing the need for access to water sources, soap, and drying facilities. This extraction of core functionality into a self-contained unit provides convenience for travel and situations where traditional washing facilities are unavailable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If conventional cleaning solutions are used, then cleaning power is achieved, but portability and ready-to-use availability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning powerVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the formulation parameters to achieve effective cleaning power in a concentrated form that can be stored in small portable containers. The use of natural preservatives (sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate) allows the product to maintain stability and effectiveness in compact packaging without requiring large volumes or complex delivery systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides effective, quick, and safe disinfection of objects, achieving a 3 log reduction in microbial populations and passing virucidal hard surface efficacy tests, while being safe for oral use without rinsing, and available in convenient, portable packaging.

Implementation Method 1

a portable, all-natural, non-toxic, edible cleaning solution comprising apple cider vinegar or acetic acid, which provides anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcidic disinfection: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

achieving a 3 log reduction in microbial populations and passing virucidal hard surface efficacy tests

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical disinfection: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS11319512B2Natural edible cleaning composition
Publication Date: 2022.05.03 GORE JESSICA ADELLE

AI summary

A cleaning solution, composition, and portable cleaner are provided that is all natural, safe, non-toxic, edible, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-microbial, deodorizing, and further includes a pleasant fragrance and taste. In addition, the cleaning composition can be free from sugar, alcohol, surfactants, and other harmful or harsh ingredients. In addition, the cleaning composition allows for quick cleaning of any type of object that may be placed in the mouth, such as pacifiers, toys, candy, eating utensils, musical instruments, and mouth-pieces, among others.