Hard Surface Cleaning Composition for Rapid Malodor Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hard surface cleaning products are ineffective in combating a broad range of malodors, particularly amine-based and sulfur-based odors, and often require extended time to show noticeable results, leading to consumer doubt in their efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A hard surface cleaning composition comprising an acidic component, surfactants, a surface modifying polymer, and a malodor control component with a mixture of volatile aldehydes and an acid catalyst, which effectively neutralizes malodors without overpowering them with perfume, while also providing limescale removal performance without being corrosive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional perfume technology is used to mask malodors, then pleasant scent is achieved, but amine-based and sulfur-based malodors are not effectively controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical mechanism from physical masking to chemical neutralization by using volatile aldehydes that react with malodor molecules. This parameter change in the underlying chemical process enables effective control of amine-based and sulfur-based malodors while maintaining pleasant scent through the aromatic properties of the aldehydes themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
Volatile aldehydes serve as intermediary substances that chemically react between the cleaning composition and malodor molecules. These aldehydes act as mediators that neutralize harmful odors through chemical reactions rather than simply masking them, thereby achieving both pleasant scent and reliable malodor control.
2Reliability
If extended time is allowed for malodor neutralization, then effectiveness improves, but consumer doubt increases due to delayed noticeable results
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning composition is applied in advance and allowed to dwell on the surface before rinsing, during which time the volatile aldehydes chemically neutralize malodors. This preliminary action ensures that by the time the consumer observes or uses the cleaned surface, the malodor neutralization has already occurred, eliminating delayed noticeable results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical removal methods with chemical neutralization through volatile aldehydes. This substitution enables rapid malodor control that occurs during the dwell time rather than requiring extended contact or repeated applications, thereby reducing the time to noticeable results while maintaining effectiveness.
3Productivity
If strong perfume is used to overpower malodors, then immediate scent coverage is achieved, but the natural pleasantness of the product is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of strong perfumes into a benefit by using volatile aldehydes that naturally provide pleasant aromatic scents while simultaneously neutralizing malodors through chemical reactions. This eliminates the need to overpower odors with intense fragrances, as the aldehydes themselves create a naturally pleasant scent profile.
Solution Approach 2:
Volatile aldehydes serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide pleasant aromatic scents, neutralize various types of malodors through chemical reactions, and contribute to the overall cleaning efficacy. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate strong perfume additives, achieving immediate scent coverage with natural pleasantness.
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 rapid and effective malodor neutralization and limescale removal, maintaining a non-corrosive pH, thus enhancing consumer confidence and cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
a malodor control component comprising an effective amount of two or more volatile aldehydes for neutralizing a malodor
Implementation Method 2
an acid catalyst having a vapor pressure of about 0.01 to about 13 at 25° C.
Implementation Method 3
a surfactant selected from the group consisting of nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants; amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof
Implementation Method 4
an acidic component
Data Source
AI summary
A hard surface cleaning composition comprising a malodor control component, and methods of cleaning hard surfaces are provided. In some embodiments, the hard surface cleaning composition comprises at least one volatile aldehyde and an acid catalyst.