Powder Hard Surface Cleaner Formulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hard surface cleaners often form films and streaks, reduce shine, and require extensive scrubbing, while also posing environmental and health hazards due to the use of harsh chemicals and mechanical action, which is undesirable, especially in institutional settings.
Innovation Solution
A composition combining a soap flake-water mixture with sucrose esters and dry materials like diatomaceous earth, optionally including bleach alternatives and scent formulations, to enhance cleaning efficacy without leaving residues or requiring excessive scrubbing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid cleansers are used on hard surfaces, then cleaning coverage and ease of application are improved, but films and streaks are formed on the surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the cleaning agent from liquid to powder form. This parameter change eliminates the film and streak formation problem inherent in liquid cleansers while maintaining ease of application through simple sprinkling and rinsing actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of rubbing required for liquid cleansers with a simpler rinsing action. The powder formulation dissolves and cleans through chemical action rather than requiring mechanical scrubbing, thereby eliminating the film formation issue.
2Productivity
If abrasive cleaners are used to remove grime and scum, then cleaning power is improved, but scratching of sensitive surfaces occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical abrasion with chemical cleaning action. The powder cleaner dissolves in water to form a cleaning solution that removes grime and scum through chemical means rather than physical scrubbing, thereby eliminating surface scratching while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary medium. The powder cleaner dissolves in water to create a liquid cleaning solution that performs the cleaning function without requiring direct mechanical contact between an abrasive substance and the surface, thus preventing scratching.
3Reliability
If harsh chemicals are used to disinfect surfaces, then antimicrobial effectiveness is improved, but environmental and user safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the cleaner by formulating it as a powder that dissolves to create a mild cleaning solution. This parameter change maintains effective cleaning and disinfecting properties while eliminating the need for harsh chemicals, thereby protecting both the environment and user safety.
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 removes stains and grime from hard surfaces with minimal scrubbing, maintaining surface shine and reducing environmental impact by avoiding harsh chemicals and mechanical effort.
Implementation Method 1
Surfactant, usually synthetic surfactant, materials are also commonly included to improve wetting of the substrate surface being cleaned
Implementation Method 2
A composition combining a soap flake-water mixture with sucrose esters and dry materials like diatomaceous earth, optionally including bleach alternatives and scent formulations, to enhance cleaning efficacy without leaving residues
Implementation Method 3
These products come premixed and ready to use. One places the product on the surface to be cleaned and then rubs to remove dirt, grease, grime, and stains
Data Source
AI summary
Formulations for producing a cleanser for cleaning hard surfaces and method of using.