Washing machine and washing method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry liquid compositions for auto-dosing washing machines face challenges due to physical stress, including high temperatures and agitation, which can cause detergents to clog pipework and degrade over time, necessitating a formulation that remains free-flowing and stable during multiple wash cycles.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine detergent composition comprising 80-3000 ml of liquid methyl ester ethoxylate, with specific surfactant ratios and ethoxylate distributions, designed to withstand temperature and agitation while maintaining flow and preventing clogging, and a method involving multiple wash cycles with partial detergent draw and retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If liquid detergent is stored in auto-dosing reservoir for multiple wash cycles, then convenience and productivity are improved, but the detergent is subjected to physical stress (high temperature and agitation) causing degradation and clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of wash cycles per detergent refillVSAvoiddetergent stability and flow properties

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the detergent, specifically using a anionic surfactant/non-ionic surfactant weight ratio between 2:1 and 10:1, and controlling ethoxylate distribution (70-90% of ethoxylate groups have 3-8 units). These parameter changes enable the detergent to maintain stability and flow properties under the physical stress of multiple wash cycles while preventing clogging in the auto-dosing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If detergent formulation is optimized for cleaning performance, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but the detergent may clog pipework and degrade under temperature and agitation stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficacyVSAvoidclogging and degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite detergent formulation combining specific anionic surfactants (such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, or alkyl ether sulfates) with non-ionic surfactants (such as alcohol ethoxylates or alkylene oxide addition products). This composite structure leverages the synergistic effects of different surfactant types to achieve both superior cleaning performance and enhanced stability against clogging and degradation under thermal and mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 ensures stable operation and effective cleaning across multiple wash cycles, maintaining detergent efficacy and preventing clogging in auto-dosing systems.

Implementation Method 1

liquid detergent composition comprising methyl ester ethoxylate... maintains flow and preventing clogging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS20260078316A1Washing machine and washing method

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 CONOPCO INC

AI summary

Washing machine comprising a detergent reservoir, said reservoir comprising from 80 ml to 3000 ml liquid detergent comprising methyl ester ethoxylate.