Buffered Dishwasher Cleaning Portion for Limescale Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher cleaning agents that remove limescale and grease deposits require separate programs due to their acidic nature, which can damage decorations and reduce the cleaning performance of neutral to alkaline detergents, increasing energy and water consumption and being inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning agent portion comprising a water-soluble coating with a buffer system of at least one acid and one base, divided into compressed and uncompressed parts, allowing for simultaneous use with dishwashing detergent without affecting cleaning performance, using citric acid and citrate as preferred components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If special machine cleaning agents containing acids are used to remove limescale deposits, then limescale removal effectiveness is improved, but the cleaning performance of neutral to alkaline dishwashing detergents is significantly reduced and decorations and glassware can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning agent portion is divided into two distinct parts: Part A contains the acid component (citric acid) for limescale removal, while Part B contains the buffer system (citrate) and surfactants for grease removal. This segmentation allows the acid to be isolated and controlled, preventing it from interfering with the dishwashing detergent's alkaline cleaning action while still providing effective limescale removal when activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pH parameter changes through the buffer system. The citrate buffer maintains a controlled pH environment that allows the acid to dissolve limescale effectively while preventing the pH from dropping low enough to damage decorations or interfere with subsequent dishwashing detergent performance. The buffer system dynamically adjusts pH based on the dissolution progress.
2Reliability
If special machine cleaning agents are used in a separate program, then limescale removal is effective, but energy and water consumption increase and user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the limescale removal function and the grease removal function into a single cleaning agent portion that can be used together with dishwashing detergent in the same washing program. Part A provides limescale removal capability while Part B provides grease removal capability, eliminating the need for separate cleaning programs and reducing time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning agent portion is designed with multi-functionality: it can remove limescale (Part A), remove grease deposits (Part B), and work compatibly with standard dishwashing detergents. This universal design allows one product to perform multiple functions that previously required separate specialized agents and programs.
3Ease of operation
If a water-soluble coating with compressed and uncompressed parts is used, then simultaneous use with dishwashing detergent is enabled without affecting cleaning performance, but the composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning agent portion is segmented into compressed Part A and uncompressed Part B within a water-soluble coating. This segmentation allows each part to have optimized properties: Part A is compressed for stability and controlled dissolution, while Part B remains uncompressed for easier wetting and dissolution. The segmentation enables simultaneous use with dishwashing detergent while maintaining distinct functional characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cleaning agent portion have different physical properties: Part A is compressed to control its dissolution rate and protect the acid component, while Part B is uncompressed to facilitate rapid dissolution and surfactant release. This local quality differentiation optimizes the release profile of each functional component during the wash cycle.
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
Enables effective limescale and grease removal during regular dishwasher cycles without damaging decorations, reducing energy and water consumption, and providing a user-friendly solution.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer system of at least one acid and at least one base, wherein the composition has at least two parts... the buffer system contains at least one organic acid, in particular citric acid, and the corresponding base, in particular citrate
Implementation Method 2
a water-soluble coating
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cleaning agent portion comprising a water-soluble coating and at least one composition for cleaning and/or maintaining an automatic dishwasher, the composition comprising at least i) an acid and/or ii) a buffer system of at least one acid and at least one base, wherein the composition has at least two components, wherein at least one component A is a compressed component and at least one component B is either uncompressed or a further compressed component, wherein any compressed component B is less compressed than component A. The present invention also relates to a method for producing these cleaning agent portions. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning and/or maintaining an automatic dishwasher using the cleaning agent portion.Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the cleaning agent portion for cleaning and/or maintenance of an automatic dishwasher and/or a method using the cleaning agent portion for cleaning and/or maintenance of an automatic dishwasher.