Multi-Chamber Unit Dose Borax and Liquid Detergent for Protein Stains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional unit dose detergent products are costly and ineffective against protein stains, often requiring protease enzymes that increase formulation complexity and expense.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chamber unit dose detergent composition featuring a liquid detergent chamber and a borax powder chamber, where the borax is used in low doses without protease enzymes, effectively removing protein stains like blood and grass when combined with a liquid detergent in washing machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protease enzymes are added to detergent formulation to remove protein stains, then stain removal effectiveness is improved, but formulation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the protease enzyme component from the detergent formulation, replacing it with a borax-based system. This eliminates the complexity associated with enzyme stabilization, storage, and formulation while maintaining stain removal effectiveness through borax's protein-dissolving properties
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameter basis of the detergent system from enzyme-catalyzed proteolysis to borax-based alkaline dissolution. By adjusting pH and borax concentration parameters, the formulation achieves protein stain removal without requiring protease enzymes, thereby simplifying the overall formulation
2Reliability
If protease enzymes are added to detergent formulation to remove protein stains, then stain removal effectiveness is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive protease enzymes with a cheaper borax-based system that achieves comparable stain removal effectiveness. Borax is a cost-effective alternative that eliminates the need for costly enzyme ingredients, enzyme stabilization agents, and specialized manufacturing processes
3Ease of operation
If water-soluble films are used to form sealed container for storing detergent, then convenience of use is improved, but weight and cost of formulation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the water-soluble film encapsulation from the unit dose structure, allowing the detergent and borax to be delivered in a simpler, lighter format. This eliminates the weight and cost of PVOH or PVA films while maintaining dispensing convenience through a redesigned dosing mechanism
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 combination of borax and liquid detergent in a single dose unit provides enhanced stain removal performance for proteinaceous stains without the need for protease enzymes, reducing costs and formulation complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
borax...increase the ability of the detergent to remove acidic stains and grease and oil stains...remove protein stains
Data Source
AI summary
A low dose of borax and of liquid detergent is delivered to wash water in a multi-chamber single dose unit containing borax in a powder chamber and a liquid detergent in a liquid chamber. The treatment removes proteinaceous stains without a proteinase enzyme.