Triethylene Glycol Deodorizing Composition for Deep Soft-Surface Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing odor elimination methods for soft surfaces like carpeting and upholstery are ineffective in penetrating deeply and rapidly, leading to temporary odor removal with recurring issues, and often leave residues or require professional services.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising triethylene glycol, nonionic and ionic surfactants, and a low molecular weight alcohol, which penetrates deeply into soft surfaces as a liquid, forming agglomerations that dissolve odor-causing substances without leaving a visible residue, utilizing surfactants for enhanced penetration and solubility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aqueous formulations containing water-soluble cyclodextrins or film-forming polymers are used for odor elimination, then odor-causing substances can be contained or complexed, but the formulations leave visible residues and do not penetrate deeply into soft surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the formulation by using low-viscosity glycols (TEG, propylene glycol) as carriers instead of water-based solutions with cyclodextrins or polymers. This parameter change allows the formulation to penetrate deeply into soft surfaces without leaving visible residues, while still effectively eliminating odors through the glycol's ability to dissolve and mask odor-causing substances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the odor-causing substances from the soft surfaces by using glycols that can dissolve these substances and transport them out of the surface matrix. The glycol acts as an extracting agent that removes the harmful odor-causing compounds without leaving behind the residue problem associated with cyclodextrin or polymer formulations
2Reliability
If known odor elimination formulations are applied to soft surfaces, then temporary odor reduction can be achieved, but the formulations lack ability to penetrate rapidly and deeply, causing odor recurrence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity and penetration parameters by formulating with low-viscosity glycols (TEG with viscosity of 16-20 cP at 25°C) instead of higher viscosity carriers. This parameter change enables rapid penetration into soft surfaces, allowing the formulation to reach deeply embedded odor-causing substances quickly, thereby preventing odor recurrence
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation is designed to perform preliminary penetration action rapidly, getting ahead of the odor recurrence problem by deeply penetrating into the soft surface before the odor-causing substances can re-emerge. The fast-penetrating glycol formulation proactively treats the source of odors rather than providing temporary surface-level masking
3Reliability
If professional services or special machinery are used for odor treatment, then deeply embedded odors can be removed, but the process becomes complex and requires specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service application by creating a formulation that can be easily applied by consumers without requiring professional services or special machinery. The glycol-based formulation is designed to penetrate deeply and treat odors through simple application methods, allowing homeowners to effectively treat their own soft surfaces without calling professionals
Solution Approach 2:
The glycol formulation acts as an intermediary substance that bridges the gap between simple consumer application and professional-grade deep odor removal. It provides the penetrating power and treatment effectiveness previously requiring specialized equipment, while being deliverable through simple spray or wipe application by consumers
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 reduces odor-causing substances' vapor pressure, providing long-lasting odor elimination without residues, and can be applied easily without discoloring or forming films on surfaces, improving penetration and treatment of deeply embedded odors.
Implementation Method 1
The composition effectively reduces odor-causing substances' vapor pressure, providing long-lasting odor elimination
Implementation Method 2
utilizing surfactants for enhanced penetration and solubility
Data Source
AI summary
A method and composition for deodorizing soft surfaces such as carpeting and upholstery are disclosed. The method includes the spraying of a liquid composition on a soft surface and allowing the composition to absorb into the soft surface, form liquid agglomerations within the soft surface to the agglomerations can make contact with malodorants disposed within the soft surface. The composition is capable of penetrating rapidly and deeply into the soft surfaces for contacting odor-causing substances embedded therein. The composition comprises an active ingredient such as a glycol or triethanolamine. Other ingredients that contribute to the surface penetration and/or agglomeration formation include ethanol, water, fragrance and a combination of at least one nonionic and at least one ionic surfactant.