Gel Cleaning Agent Preparation for Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of cleaning agents often results in transitional compositions, or 'cuts,' which are difficult to manage due to the need for frequent changes in additive types and amounts, leading to ecological and economic inefficiencies as these transitional compositions differ from the desired products and must be disposed of.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a first composition forming a solid gel under standard conditions, where a second composition, also a solid gel, is added to the first, allowing for the recycling of transitional compositions and avoiding decomposition of additives like dyes and fragrances by maintaining the solid gel state during mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transitional compositions (cuts) are produced during cleaning agent manufacturing, then product composition flexibility is improved, but ecological and economic efficiency deteriorates due to waste generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by capturing transitional compositions (cuts) that would normally be wasted and recovering them through gelation. The method involves providing a first composition, adding a second composition (the cut) to it, and forming a solid gel that can be disposed of environmentally friendly ways, thus recovering value from what would otherwise be waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful aspect of transitional compositions (waste requiring disposal) into a beneficial solid gel form. By adding the second composition to the first and forming a gel, the harmful waste is transformed into a manageable, environmentally friendly solid that can be disposed of through environmentally acceptable methods, turning a negative into a positive.
2Manufacturing precision
If solid gel compositions are used instead of pourable compositions, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to special handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the physical state of the compositions from pourable (liquid) to solid gel form. This parameter change (phase transition) enables precise formulation and handling of the compositions, allowing for accurate mixing and dosing while maintaining the benefits of solid material handling.
3Ease of operation
If heating is applied to liquefy solid gel compositions, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to decomposition of dyes and fragrances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of heating (decomposition) into a benefit by using the gelation process itself as the mixing mechanism. Instead of heating to liquefy and then mixing, the method uses the solid gel state as the mixing medium, avoiding thermal decomposition while achieving thorough mixing through the gel's unique properties.
4Manufacturing precision
If pressing or cutting methods are used for solid gel compositions, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the solid gel composition into portions using cutting tools or pressing mechanisms. This allows for accurate portioning and dosing of the gel compositions, enabling precise formulation and application while maintaining the integrity of the solid gel structure.
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
This approach enables the ecological and economic recycling of transitional compositions, maintaining the integrity of additives and improving process efficiency by utilizing solid gel-specific handling methods such as pressing and cutting, rather than liquid or powder handling concepts.
Implementation Method 1
Adding the second composition to the first composition, the second composition forming a solid gel under standard conditions
Implementation Method 2
the first composition is liquefied by heating. The composition is further preferably heated to a temperature such that even after the second composition has been added, the first composition is in the liquid state
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for providing a cleaning agent is described, comprising the following steps: providing a first composition (12) in a first container (10); providing a second composition (22) in a second container (20); adding the second composition (22) to the first composition (21), wherein the second composition (22) forms a solid gel under standard conditions.