Aqueous Liquid Detergent for Top- and Front-Load Suds Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing laundry detergent market is divided into separate formulations for top-loading and front-loading washing machines due to differing suds requirements, leading to consumer confusion and decreased cleaning efficacy in HE formulations.
Innovation Solution
A dual-usage aqueous liquid detergent composition containing a surfactant system with a specific ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant, combined with an anti-foam and structurant, which maintains appropriate sudsing levels and cleaning performance in both machine types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If higher sudsing surfactant compositions are used to improve cleaning performance, then cleaning capability is improved, but suds control becomes problematic in front-loading machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the ratio of anionic surfactants (specifically LAS to AES ratio between 1.1:1 to 10:1) and adjusting the total surfactant concentration (1% to 60% by weight) to achieve optimal sudsing levels that work in both top-loading and front-loading machines while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite surfactant systems combining multiple types of surfactants (anionic surfactants including LAS and AES, nonionic surfactants, and cationic surfactants) to create a formulation that balances cleaning power with suds control, allowing the detergent to function properly in different machine types
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate detergent formulations are developed for front-loading and top-loading machines, then suds control is improved for each machine type, but product complexity and consumer confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by creating a single detergent formulation containing specific surfactant combinations and ratios that can be used in both top-loading and front-loading washing machines, eliminating the need for consumers to choose between different formulations while maintaining proper suds control in each machine type
3Adaptability or versatility
If greater amounts of nonionic surfactant are used to control suds in HE formulations, then suds compatibility is improved, but cleaning capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the parameters of surfactant composition, specifically maintaining an optimal ratio between anionic surfactants (LAS and AES) rather than simply increasing nonionic surfactant content, thereby achieving both suds control and cleaning effectiveness
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 achieves compatible sudsing and improved cleaning in both top-loading and front-loading machines, reducing consumer confusion and ensuring effective laundry performance.
Implementation Method 1
from about 0.001% to about 4.0%, by weight of the composition, of an anti-foam selected from organomodified silicone polymers with aryl or alkylaryl substituents combined with silicone resin and a primary filler, which is modified silica
Implementation Method 2
The surfactant system comprises linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and between 1% and 30% by weight of alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous liquid detergent composition is disclosed. The aqueous liquid detergent composition having suds compatibility and improved cleaning. The composition has from about 1% to about 60%, by weight of the composition, from about 0.001% to about 4.0%, by weight of the composition, of an anti-foam selected from organomodified silicone polymers with aryl or alkylaryl substituents combined with silicone resin and a primary filler, which is modified silica, and from about 0.01% to about 2.5%, by weight of the composition, of a structurant, wherein the structurant is selected from: crystalline, hydroxyl-containing stabilizers, polymer gums, and mixtures thereof. The surfactant system includes linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and between 1% and 30% by weight of alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant. The ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant is between 1.1:1 to 10:1.