Self-Adhering Cleaning Composition for Toilet Bowl Residual Benefits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional under-the-rim toilet bowl cleaning devices are perceived as unsanitary and unappealing, require manual handling, and provide limited coverage and longevity, with consumers hesitant to use them due to displacement during cleaning and the need for manual repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A self-adhering composition with a surfactant content of at least 7.5 wt.%, a transport rate factor of less than 55 seconds, and an adhesion time of greater than 8 hours, which can be applied directly to hard surfaces like ceramic toilet bowls, providing extended coverage and stability without the need for external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional under-the-rim toilet bowl hanging devices are used, then cleaning and disinfecting agents are released into the toilet bowl, but the devices require manual handling and are perceived as unsanitary
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning composition is formulated to self-adhere to the toilet bowl surface without requiring external support structures or manual repositioning. The composition applies itself and maintains its position through its adhesive properties, eliminating the need for users to handle hanging devices
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the cleaning agents from conventional hanging devices and formulates them as a self-adhering composition that can be applied directly to the surface, removing the need for the hanging device structure itself
2Reliability
If conventional hanging devices are used, then agents are released locally, but the coverage area is limited by location and water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning composition is applied in advance to the toilet bowl surface and remains adhered there, proactively providing cleaning coverage rather than being released reactively into the water flow
Solution Approach 2:
The composition transitions from being dispersed in the water flow (three-dimensional movement) to adhering on the two-dimensional surface of the toilet bowl, enabling coverage of areas not reached by water flow
3Productivity
If conventional hanging devices are used, then cleaning agents are dispensed, but the devices are displaced during cleaning and require manual repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The composition maintains its own position through self-adhesion properties, eliminating the need for external support structures that can be displaced during cleaning operations
4Ease of operation
If self-adhering composition is applied directly to surface, then manual interaction is reduced, but adhesion stability under varying temperature and humidity must be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The composition is formulated with specific adhesive properties and chemical composition that enable it to maintain stable adhesion across varying environmental conditions including temperature and humidity changes
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 ensures long-term cleaning and disinfecting effects, self-spreading across the surface, maintaining adhesion through multiple water flows, reducing manual interaction and enhancing hygiene by providing continuous coverage and residual benefits.
Implementation Method 1
at least 7.5 wt. % of at least one surfactant selected
Implementation Method 2
an adhesion time of greater than about 8 hours
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for use on a hard surface. The composition has: (i) at least 7.5 wt. % of at least one surfactant selected; (ii) a transport rate factor of less than about 55 seconds; and (iii) an adhesion time of greater than about 8 hours.