Hard Surface Cleaning Composition for Fast Drying and Streak-Free Shine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hard surface cleaning compositions face challenges in effectively cleaning diverse surfaces like tiles, wood, stainless steel, and marble, often leaving residues and streaks, and tend to have long drying times, which can damage surfaces and increase the risk of accidents.

Innovation Solution

A hard surface cleaning composition comprising 0.03 wt. % to 0.06 wt. % amine oxide, 0.15 wt. % to 1.50 wt. % of a glycol ether with a Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) between 6.5 and 7.0, and at least 97 wt. % water, along with a method using a cleaning implement with a reservoir containing this composition for efficient cleaning and rapid drying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If diluted hard surface cleaning compositions are used to clean floors, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but drying time increases and surfaces become slippery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddrying time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by incorporating specific concentrations of amine oxide (0.01-0.10 wt%) and glycol ether (0.10-1.00 wt%) to alter the evaporation rate and drying characteristics of the cleaning solution, thereby reducing drying time while maintaining cleaning effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite cleaning composition by combining multiple ingredients (amine oxide, glycol ether, water, and optional additives) that work synergistically to achieve both effective cleaning and rapid drying, eliminating the need for excessive dilution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If cleaning compositions are used on delicate surfaces like wood and stainless steel, then cleaning is achieved, but long drying time causes damage such as spotting, rusting, and rotting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the chemical parameters of the cleaning composition by incorporating amine oxide and glycol ether at specific concentrations to accelerate evaporation and reduce the time the surface remains wet, thereby preventing damage to delicate materials like wood and stainless steel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The glycol ether acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates faster evaporation of water from the cleaning solution, serving as a bridge between the cleaning function and the protection of delicate surfaces from water-related damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If cleaning compositions are used on hard surfaces, then cleaning is performed, but film and streak residues are left resulting in low shine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning functionVSAvoidshine quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the composition parameters by including amine oxide and glycol ether that promote uniform evaporation and prevent film formation, resulting in streak-free, high-shine surfaces after cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning composition is designed to be used and quickly evaporated without leaving persistent residues, effectively treating the cleaning agents as temporary substances that complete their function and then disappear through evaporation, leaving no film behind

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 provides improved shine and reduced drying time on hard surfaces, minimizing the risk of damage and accidents by effectively removing residues and streaks while maintaining surface safety.

Implementation Method 1

a glycol ether having an HLB between 6.5 and 7.0... improving drying time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

a glycol ether having an HLB between 6.5 and 7.0... provides improved shine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension reduction: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 3

0.03 wt. % to 0.06 wt. % amine oxide... effectively cleans tiles, and more delicate surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Implementation Method 4

removing the cleaning composition from the hard surface with a dry cleaning wipe or pad

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10119105B2Hard surface cleaning composition and method of improving drying time using the same

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A hard surface cleaning composition and a method of cleaning a hard surface with a low drying time composition is provided. The hard surface cleaning composition comprises: 0.03 wt. % to 0.06 wt. % amine oxide; 0.15 wt. % to 1.50 wt. % of a glycol ether having an HLB between 6.5 and 7.0; and at least 97 wt. % water, by weight of the overall composition.