Polypeptide Cleaning Composition for Rail Vehicle Surface Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning methods for vehicles, especially rail vehicles, face challenges with highly alkaline or acidic compositions that can damage surfaces, require aggressive safety measures, and generate environmentally harmful waste, while protective films are costly and inefficient in maintaining surface cleanliness.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a first cleaning cycle with a conventional composition followed by a low-concentration polypeptide-based cleaning composition, typically containing gelatine, and optionally a drying aid, which reduces the need for frequent re-cleaning and minimizes environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If highly alkaline or acidic cleaning compositions are used, then cleaning efficiency is improved and dwell time is reduced, but surface damage increases and environmental harm worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning composition by using mild alkaline pH (8-10) instead of highly alkaline or acidic compositions, and controls temperature (10-50°C) to achieve effective cleaning without surface damage. This resolves the contradiction by finding optimal parameter ranges that balance cleaning efficiency with surface protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite cleaning system combining multiple enzymes (proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases) with surfactants and chelating agents. This composite approach enhances cleaning efficiency through synergistic action while maintaining mild composition that prevents surface damage and reduces environmental harm.
2Productivity
If highly alkaline or acidic cleaning compositions are used, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but safety measures and waste management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the pH parameter to mild alkaline range (8-10) and controlling temperature (10-50°C), the patent eliminates the need for extreme safety measures and complex waste management systems required for highly alkaline or acidic compositions, while maintaining effective cleaning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses biodegradable enzymes and environmentally friendly surfactants that break down naturally, replacing long-lasting harmful chemicals. This reduces waste management complexity and costs while maintaining cleaning efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If protective films are applied to prevent contamination, then surface protection is improved, but cost and reapplication frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical protective film system with an enzymatic cleaning system that actively removes contaminants as they adhere to the surface. This eliminates the need for continuous application of film-forming agents while maintaining surface protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The enzyme-based cleaning composition provides self-renewing protection by continuously breaking down and removing contaminants on contact. The mild composition can be applied frequently without buildup, providing ongoing surface protection without the cost and complexity of film reapplication.
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
This method provides efficient, long-lasting surface cleaning with reduced aggressivity to the vehicle surfaces, lower environmental impact, and extended cleaning intervals, while maintaining a clean and attractive appearance without the need for high concentrations of film-forming agents or harsh chemicals.
Implementation Method 1
EP 1 347 039 and DE 10 2007 042 857 describe methods for cleaning dishes wherein enzymes are used
Implementation Method 2
WO 2007/014897 describes the use of surface-active non-enzymatic proteins for washing textiles, wherein the proteins are in particular hydrophobins
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for cleaning an article comprising a surface, in particular a train, and a cleaning concentrate for use in this method. In a first cleaning cycle of the cleaning method the surface of an article is a) cleaned with a cleaning composition and b) cleaned with a low concentrated polypeptide containing cleaning composition. After recontamination of the surface it is only necessary in a second and further cleaning cycles to repeat step b).