Shikimic Acid Household Cleaner Composition for Formulation Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Shikimic acid's instability and adverse effects on household chemical formulations have limited its use in laundry detergents and cleaners, compromising cleansing efficacy and stability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating shikimic acid in a concentration range of 0.001% to 0.5% and pH range of 2.5 to 12 in household chemical compositions, acting as a stabilizer and viscosity regulator, effectively neutralizing odors and cleaning dense surfaces without bacterial activity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If shikimic acid is used in household chemical formulations, then cleansing efficacy and odor neutralization are improved, but formulation stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleansing efficacyVSAvoidformulation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the concentration of shikimic acid within a specific range (0.001% to 0.5%) and controlling pH levels (2.5 to 12) to achieve both improved cleansing efficacy and maintained formulation stability. This quantitative adjustment resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal balance point where shikimic acid provides benefits without causing instability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining shikimic acid with other household chemical ingredients to create a stable formulation. The composition includes shikimic acid alongside surfactants, solvents, and other additives that work synergistically to maintain both cleansing performance and formulation stability over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If shikimic acid concentration is increased to enhance cleaning performance, then cleansing efficacy is improved, but adverse effects on formulation stability increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidformulation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by establishing an optimal concentration range for shikimic acid (0.001% to 0.5%). Within this range, cleaning performance is maximized while avoiding the adverse effects that occur at higher concentrations. This quantitative optimization resolves the contradiction between productivity and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using a small but sufficient amount of shikimic acid (0.001% to 0.5%) to achieve the desired cleaning effect without exceeding the threshold that would cause formulation instability. This partial action approach provides adequate cleaning performance while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If shikimic acid is used for odor neutralization, then long-lasting cleanliness is provided, but potential instability in formulations occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelong-lasting cleanlinessVSAvoidformulation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling pH levels (2.5 to 12) and shikimic acid concentration (0.001% to 0.5%) to enable long-lasting odor neutralization while maintaining formulation stability. The optimized parameters ensure that shikimic acid remains effective for prolonged periods without compromising stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter 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

Shikimic acid stabilizes formulations, enhances cleaning efficacy, and provides long-lasting cleanliness by neutralizing odors on various surfaces, including fabrics and hard surfaces, without compromising appearance or stability.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating shikimic acid in a concentration range of 0.001% to 0.5% and pH range of 2.5 to 12 in household chemical compositions, acting as a stabilizer and viscosity regulator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscosity regulation:

Implementation Method 2

effectively neutralizing odors and cleaning dense surfaces without bacterial activity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOdor neutralization: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

The manufacturer claims that shikimic acid exhibits adsorbing and exfoliative effects without causing skin irritation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 4

The manufacturer claims that shikimic acid exhibits adsorbing and exfoliative effects without causing skin irritation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExfoliation: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP4613835A1Novel use of shikimic acid in household chemicals providing longlasting cleanliness and healthful cleansing
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SKYLAB AG
  • EP4613835A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4613835A1 patent drawing
  • EP4613835A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to the use of shikimic acid in the manufacture of a cleaning composition and a cleaning composition comprising 0.001-0.50% wt. of said shikimic acid and wherein the pH of said cleaning composition is in the range of 2.5-12.