Herbal Extract Odor Neutralizer Using Oxidation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current odor-neutralizing products either mask odors or use toxic substances, failing to provide a non-toxic, water-based, natural solution that effectively neutralizes a wide range of acidic, alkaline, and neutral odors.
Innovation Solution
A water-based solution comprising herbal extracts from plants such as Tamarindus indica, Raphanus sativus, and Citrus x aurantiifolia, which, when sprayed as a fine mist, chemically neutralizes odors by converting odor-producing materials into stable, non-toxic substances, potentially including cyclodextrin and fragrances, within a pH range of 4.1-6.7.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If fragrance-based masking products are used, then odors are concealed, but the odors are not truly eliminated and may cause respiratory issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of odors into a beneficial neutralization process by using reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from hydrogen peroxide and catalysts. The odors that were previously harmful are transformed into harmless substances through oxidation reactions, eliminating them rather than masking them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs strong oxidizing agents including hydrogen peroxide, ozone, and peracetic acid to rapidly oxidize and neutralize odor-causing compounds. These oxidants break down the chemical structure of odorous substances, converting them into non-odorous byproducts like carbon dioxide and water.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If toxic substances like ozone or chlorine dioxide are used, then odors are neutralized, but the substances pose health risks to humans and pets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms potentially harmful oxidizing substances into safe byproducts. Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen, ozone converts to oxygen, and peracetic acid breaks down into acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. This ensures odor neutralization without leaving toxic residues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls the concentration and contact time of oxidizing agents to achieve effective odor neutralization while maintaining safety. By adjusting parameters such as hydrogen peroxide concentration (3-35%) and exposure duration, the system achieves optimal performance without exceeding safety thresholds.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If water-based herbal extracts are used, then the solution is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, but the odor neutralization effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite formulation combining multiple active ingredients (hydrogen peroxide, catalysts like iron salts or enzymes, surfactants, and herbal extracts) to achieve both safety and effectiveness. The synergistic interaction between components enhances odor neutralization while maintaining non-toxic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a multi-functional solution that simultaneously provides odor neutralization, surface cleaning, and disinfection. The same water-based formulation with oxidizing agents and surfactants addresses multiple household needs without requiring separate toxic products.
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 solution effectively eliminates a broad spectrum of odors, including fecal, urine, and skunk smells, while being biodegradable, safe for human skin and pets, and environmentally friendly, without harming humans or the environment.
Implementation Method 1
chemically neutralizes odors by converting odor-producing materials into stable, non-toxic substances
Implementation Method 2
when sprayed into a confined area as a fine mist
Data Source
AI summary
A combination of herbal extracts in aqueous solution that when sprayed into a confined area as a fine mist, chemically neutralizes a wide range of odors including those that are acidic, alkaline, and neutral in nature. While this chemical solution may contain fragrances, odor elimination occurs chemically rather than by masking.