Solid Self-Adhesive Formulation for Sanitary Ware

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current self-adhesive products for sanitary ware have high water content, leading to instability, microbial growth, and reduced effectiveness over time, while also being less eco-friendly due to synthetic components and reliance on plastic containers.

Innovation Solution

A solid self-adhesive formulation with a lower water content, comprising alkaline salts, anionic and non-ionic surfactants, and natural fragrance, applied via a strip with a non-adhesive water-soluble film, eliminating the need for plastic dispensers and using semi-synthetic natural origin components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If high water content is used in the gel formulation to promote adhesion to sanitary ware surface, then adhesion is improved, but phase separation and microbial growth occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidphase separation and microbial growth
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the water content parameter from high (40-70% in prior art) to low (5-15% in the invention), fundamentally altering the formulation's physical state from gel to solid while maintaining adhesion through alternative mechanisms involving surfactants and adhesion promoters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite solid formulation combining multiple functional components: adhesion promoters (alkaline salts), anionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and fragrance, where each component contributes to overall stability and performance without requiring high water content

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If high water content is used in the gel formulation, then adhesion is improved, but the product dries out when toilet is not used for certain period

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoideffectiveness over time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the formulation from a water-rich gel to a water-poor solid, changing the evaporation kinetics and maintaining physical integrity and adhesion effectiveness over extended periods of non-use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The solid formulation is designed as a single-use applicator that maintains its properties throughout its intended lifespan, eliminating the need for reapplication or replenishment even after extended periods of non-use

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

3Ease of operation

If plastic containers and dispensers are used to apply the gel, then application is facilitated, but eco-sustainability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveapplicationVSAvoidplastic waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the reusable plastic dispenser into a single-use solid applicator that is used once and then discarded, eliminating the need for durable plastic containers and reducing overall plastic waste

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

Solution Approach 2:

The formulation is changed from a liquid/gel requiring mechanical dispensing to a solid that can be directly applied by hand, eliminating the need for complex plastic dispenser mechanisms

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

The formulation is more stable, resistant to drying, and environmentally friendly, maintaining effectiveness over time without microbial issues, while adhering to eco-sustainability standards.

Implementation Method 1

a solid self-adhesive formulation for the hygiene and fragrance of sanitary ware which when applied to the walls of sanitary ware gradually release the sanitising substances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

an anionic surfactant (b) comprising: from 5 to 45% by weight on the total weight of said self-adhesive formulation of a composition (b 1) comprising at least 85% by weight on the total weight of the composition (b 1) of a mixture of alkaline salts of mono C12-C18 alkylesters of sulphuric acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Implementation Method 3

gradually release the sanitising substances with each flush of water of said sanitary ware

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 4

gradually release the sanitising substances with each flush of water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3875568B1Solid self-adhesive formulation for hygiene and fragrance of sanitary articles
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 RE LE VI SPA

AI summary

Solid self-adhesive formulation for the hygiene and fragrance of sanitary ware comprising inorganic salts, anionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants of glucosidic derivation, fragrances, which is characterised in that the components contained therein are products of natural origin and in that it has a water content lower than 15% by weight on the weight of the solid self-adhesive formulation. A further object of the present invention are the products containing said solid self-adhesive formulation which are manually applicable due to the presence of a non-adhesive water-soluble film arranged on the surface opposite that which adheres to the wall of the sanitary ware.