Hard Surface Cleaning Composition for Oily Soil Removal Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a hard surface cleaning composition with a good environmental profile that provides effective emulsification and oily soil removal properties without compromising consumer satisfaction in terms of cleaning performance and product appeal, while addressing consumer preferences for eco-friendly products and maintaining temperature stability.

Innovation Solution

A liquid aqueous detergent composition comprising a specific combination of anionic surfactants, polyethylene oxide, and betaine, with a surfactant system that includes a weight ratio of primary surfactant to secondary surfactant between 4:1 to 8:1, and a ratio of average EO of surfactants combined to total surfactant B less than 0.45, without alkylbenzene sulphonates, to ensure temperature stability and cleaning efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional cleaning compositions are used, then cleaning ability is achieved, but they require harsh chemicals that damage surfaces and harm the environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface damage and environmental harmVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of cleaning compositions by replacing harsh chemicals (chlorine, ammonia, phosphates) with biodegradable alternatives including plant-derived surfactants, enzymes, and organic acids. This parameter change maintains cleaning effectiveness while reducing harmful factors to surfaces and environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite cleaning formulations combining multiple biodegradable components (surfactants, enzymes, solvents, preservatives) that work synergistically to achieve effective cleaning without harsh chemicals. The composite nature allows the composition to maintain reliability while improving environmental compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If harsh chemicals are used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but safety risks to users increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiduser safety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical safety parameters by eliminating toxic substances (chlorine, ammonia, formaldehyde) and replacing them with safer biodegradable alternatives. This parameter change reduces user exposure to harmful chemicals while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through enhanced enzymatic and surfactant action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent promotes use of biodegradable cleaning compositions that break down harmlessly after use, effectively replacing persistent harmful chemicals with temporary, safe alternatives that decompose into non-toxic byproducts, reducing long-term safety risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If traditional cleaning compositions are used, then cleaning power is achieved, but environmental pollution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning powerVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the environmental impact parameters by formulating cleaning compositions with biodegradable ingredients that decompose naturally without persisting in the environment. The composition uses plant-based surfactants, enzymes, and solvents that break down into harmless substances, maintaining cleaning power while eliminating pollution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts potentially harmful synthetic chemicals into beneficial biodegradable alternatives that provide the same cleaning function while offering environmental benefits. The formulation transforms the harm of chemical persistence into the benefit of natural decomposition

Inventive Principle:

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

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 maintains temperature stability and cleaning performance, providing clear and transparent product appearance, while offering effective emulsification and oily soil removal without the use of alkylbenzene sulphonates, thus meeting consumer expectations for eco-friendly and effective cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

compositions comprising a blend of enzymes and a non-ionic surfactant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 2

compositions comprising a blend of enzymes and a non-ionic surfactant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentEP4256017B1A hard surface cleaning composition

Publication Date: 2026.05.13 UNILEVER IP HLDG BV

AI summary

The present invention relates to liquid aqueous detergent compositions comprising a surfactant system comprising a primary surfactant being anionic surfactant, a secondary surfactant being amphoteric surfactant and polyethylene oxide whilst the surfactant system is free of alkylbenzene sulphonates and derivatives thereof. The invention further relates to a method of cleaning a stainless-steel hard surface using the composition of the invention, as well as the use thereof.