Soap Remnant Conversion to Liquid via Salt Dissolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for recycling soap do not efficiently convert bar soap remnants into liquid soap, lacking effective processes that do not require specialized equipment or mechanized processes, and often result in bar soap rather than liquid soap.

Innovation Solution

A process involving treatment of bar soap remnants with an anti-bacterial cleansing solution, followed by grating or breaking into pieces, dissolution in warm water, and combination with a conversion solution containing glycerin, citric acid, and sodium laureth sulfate, with heating or whisking to achieve the liquid soap form.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If existing recycling methods are used, then soap remnants can be processed, but the process requires specialized equipment such as Rational Clima Plus Combi units or heated containers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidequipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical heating and processing systems with a chemical dissolution approach. Ordinary table salt is used to dissolve soap remnants in water, eliminating the need for specialized heated containers or industrial equipment like Rational Clima Plus Combi units. The chemical action of salt on soap in water achieves the conversion to liquid form without mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses common, inexpensive household items instead of expensive specialized equipment. Table salt, water, and a microwave (or alternative heat source) replace industrial recycling machinery. This makes the process accessible to ordinary consumers without requiring investment in specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing recycling methods are used, then soap remnants can be converted, but the process results in bar soap rather than liquid soap

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct form flexibilityVSAvoidconversion accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the soap through dissolution in water with salt. By controlling the water-to-soap ratio, temperature, and salt concentration, the process transforms solid bar soap remnants into liquid soap form. The salt facilitates the dissolution process, and the resulting mixture can be adjusted to achieve the desired liquid consistency and viscosity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If existing recycling methods are used, then soap processing can be achieved, but the process lacks effectiveness in converting remnants to liquid form

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidprocess effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Table salt acts as a chemical intermediary that facilitates the conversion of soap remnants to liquid soap. The salt dissolves the soap in water, creating a liquid solution. This intermediary substance enables the transformation without requiring complex processing, achieving both high conversion efficiency and reliable results through a simple chemical mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Effectively converts bar soap remnants into a consistent liquid soap form, offering flexibility in organic or non-organic formulations without the need for specialized equipment, such as Rational Clima Plus Combi units or heated containers.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing bar soap remnants that are treated with an anti-bacterial cleansing solution, including ethyl alcohol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnti-bacterial action:

Implementation Method 2

The remnants or grated remains are then dissolved in warm water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

The liquefied mass is either heated in a microwave for 30-120 seconds, depending on microwave wattage; or heated in a crock pot until consistent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9193942B2Soap recycling and conversion process
Publication Date: 2015.11.24 MANNING DANIELLE D

AI summary

In one embodiment, a soap recycling and conversion process that processes and converts bar soap remnants or pieces into liquid soap, in anti-bacterial, organic or non-organic forms. Soap remnants are treated with an anti-bacterial cleansing solution, including ethyl alcohol; then either grated or broken into smaller pieces. The remnants or grated remains are then dissolved in warm water, either tap or purified, and combined with the conversion solution, which consists of water, glycerin, citric acid and sodium laureth sulfate (not used in organic solution). The liquefied mass is either heated in a microwave for 30-120 seconds, depending on microwave wattage; or heated in a crock pot until consistent; or whisked at room temperature until the proper consistency of liquid soap. The solution is then packaged for reuse.