Unsaturated Acid Stain Neutralizer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current stain removers are ineffective and harsh, particularly for blood, ink, and grease stains, posing challenges in consumer products and industrial applications, and there is a need for a non-caustic, rapid, and natural solution that can neutralize a wide range of organic colorants without damaging textiles or human skin.

Innovation Solution

A composition based on unsaturated aliphatic acids or esters, such as linoleic acid, combined with a cell-lysing agent and an oxidizing agent, applied in a polar solvent solution, which disrupts the chromophore structure of stains through free-radical addition reactions, effectively neutralizing colors without pH changes or salt formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If oxidizing agents are used to remove blood stains, then stain removal effectiveness is improved, but skin irritation and chemical harshness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestain removal effectivenessVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by using unsaturated fatty acids with specific molecular structures (long carbon chains with multiple double bonds) instead of traditional oxidizing agents. This parameter change maintains stain removal effectiveness while reducing skin irritation by using naturally occurring, non-caustic chemicals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acids that can be derived from common sources like vegetable oils. These short-living, biodegradable molecules provide effective stain removal without the persistent harmful effects of synthetic oxidizing agents, aligning with the principle of using temporary, benign chemical agents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Productivity

If traditional enzyme-based detergents are used to remove blood stains, then stain removal capability is improved, but treatment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestain removal capabilityVSAvoidtreatment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the biological mechanism of enzyme-based detergents with a direct chemical reaction mechanism. The unsaturated fatty acids react directly with the chromophore groups in blood stains through addition reactions, eliminating the need for prolonged enzymatic breakdown and significantly reducing treatment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

While not using traditional strong oxidants, the patent employs unsaturated fatty acids that can undergo rapid oxidation and addition reactions with stain molecules. This accelerated chemical reaction process achieves effective stain removal much faster than the gradual enzymatic action of conventional detergents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

3Productivity

If harsh chemical stain removers are used, then stain removal effectiveness is improved, but damage to textiles and skin increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestain removal effectivenessVSAvoidtextile damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The unsaturated fatty acids act as intermediary substances that bridge the gap between the stain molecule and the cleaning action. Instead of using harsh chemicals that directly attack and damage textiles, the fatty acids mediate the removal process through gentle chemical addition reactions that eliminate stains without compromising fabric integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the natural occurrence of unsaturated fatty acids in vegetable oils from a minor nutritional component into an effective stain removal agent. This transformation turns a benign, natural substance into a powerful yet safe cleaning agent that eliminates stains without the harmful effects of synthetic chemicals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution rapidly decolorizes stains within minutes, is safe for skin contact, and can be used on various materials, including textiles and teeth, without the need for additional treatments, demonstrating a significant improvement over existing products in effectiveness and safety.

Implementation Method 1

which disrupts the chromophore structure of stains through free-radical addition reactions, effectively neutralizing colors without pH changes or salt formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFree-radical addition reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

Additionally, the composition may have an oxidizing agent, such as peroxides or cyclic peroxides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS9657257B2Colorant neutralizer

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC

AI summary

A composition for a medium that can discharges organic unsaturated colorant molecules that may stain is described. The composition can quickly and effectively neutralize a discoloration that results from, in particular, blood or blood-based, ink, or grease stains. The composition can remove the stain within, typically about 20-30 minutes, and can achieve color contrast of a ΔE value of about 15-20 or greater. The composition can be adapted for different uses and embodied in various cleaning, stain-fighting, cosmetic, personal hygiene, or medical products.