pH-Sensitive Powder Cleaning Composition for Visual Dosing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toilet cleaning compositions, particularly in powder form, face challenges such as uneven distribution, poor adhesion to surfaces, and difficulties in measuring the appropriate dose, leading to suboptimal cleaning results, wastage, and increased treatment efforts in wastewater plants.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning composition in powder form that includes a surfactant and a pH-sensitive colouring agent, which changes colour upon contact with aqueous environments of different pH levels, providing a visual indication of proper dosage, preventing overdosing, and ensuring efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If powder form cleaning composition is used, then storage and transport sustainability is improved, but adhesion to surface and even distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by giving the powder particles an irregular, non-spherical shape that creates mechanical interlocking with the surface texture. This asymmetric geometry allows the particles to settle into surface irregularities and adhere more effectively, resolving the contradiction between powder form stability and surface adhesion reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies local properties of the powder particles by incorporating surface-active substances and adhesion promoters on the particle surface. This local quality enhancement ensures that while the bulk powder maintains its dry, stable form for storage, the surface of each particle gains adhesive properties that improve attachment to the cleaning surface.
2Ease of operation
If user applies cleaning composition manually, then ease of operation is improved, but dosing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pH-sensitive color indicators that change color based on the amount of cleaning composition applied and the pH of the cleaning solution. This visual feedback mechanism allows users to easily determine whether the correct dose has been applied, eliminating the need for precise measurement while maintaining dosing accuracy through intuitive color cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the color change of the cleaning composition provides real-time information to the user about the dosing status. This feedback loop enables users to adjust their application to achieve the optimal dose, combining the simplicity of manual application with the precision of controlled dosing.
3Productivity
If cleaning composition is applied in excess, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but wastage and treatment burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pH-sensitive color indicators that change color when the optimal concentration is reached. This visual signal prevents users from applying excess cleaning composition by providing clear feedback when the sufficient dose has been achieved, thereby eliminating wastage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (scales, measuring spoons) with a chemical sensing system based on pH-induced color changes. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical dosing while preventing over-application through intuitive visual feedback, reducing wastage without compromising cleaning performance.
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 prevents overdosing and underdosing, reducing wastage and ensuring thorough cleaning of toilet surfaces, while also being more sustainable in terms of storage, transport, and application.
Implementation Method 1
a pH-sensitive colouring agent, which changes colour upon contact with aqueous environments of different pH levels
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a surface cleaning composition in powder form. The surface cleaning composition comprises a surfactant. The surface cleaning composition further comprises colouring agent. The colouring agent shows a first colour upon contact with an aqueous environment having a pH above 8 and a second colour upon contact with an aqueous environment having a pH below 6. The first colour and the second colour are visibly different from the colour of cleaning composition in powder form prior to coming into contact with the aqueous environment. The first the second colour is visibly different from the first colour. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for cleaning a first surface, in particular a bathroom surface such as a toilet bowl surface, with a surface cleaning composition in powder form according to the present invention. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for cleaning a first and a second surface, in particular a bathroom surface such as a toilet bowl surface, with a surface cleaning composition in powder form according to the present invention. In another aspect, the present invention provides a self-cleaning wet room appliance, preferably a self-cleaning toilet, configured to self-clean with the surface cleaning composition according to the present invention.