Coated Detergent Particles for Residue-Free Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrated detergent products often result in substantial chemical wastage due to incorrect dosage and residue issues, particularly with highly concentrated liquids adhering to dosing device surfaces, and known particulate products leaving residues.
Innovation Solution
A packaged product featuring a single dosing and closure device with coated particles that are free-flowing and non-sticky, allowing for reliable dosing without residue, suitable for machine dispensing and direct wash liquor addition, with a narrow dispensing aperture and flexible closure mechanism to prevent stickiness and blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If concentrated liquid detergent is used, then pack size is reduced, but product adheres to dosing device surface causing residue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the detergent from liquid to free-flowing granular form. This parameter change eliminates adhesion to dosing surfaces while maintaining concentration benefits. The granular particles flow freely and can be completely dispensed without residue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite granular material consisting of concentrated detergent active ingredients combined with free-flowing granular carriers. This composite structure maintains the high concentration benefits while achieving free-flowing properties that prevent adhesion and residue.
2Loss of substance
If conventional particulate detergent is used, then product does not adhere to surfaces, but particles form film over reservoir and leave residue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size and flow characteristics parameters. The free-flowing granular particles are sized and shaped to pass through narrow dispensing apertures without bridging or forming films, unlike conventional particulate detergents that tend to form arches and residue.
3Measurement precision
If narrow dispensing aperture is used, then dosing precision is improved, but conventional particles block the aperture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the particle size distribution and flow characteristics parameters of the granular detergent. The particles are sized to flow reliably through narrow apertures without bridging, while still providing precise dosing control. The free-flowing properties ensure consistent particle movement through the restricted opening.
4Device complexity
If single dosing and closure device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but handling and dosing reliability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is designed to perform multiple functions: sealing the package, dosing the detergent, and dispensing through a narrow aperture. The free-flowing granular detergent enables this multi-functionality by flowing reliably through the integrated dosing mechanism without requiring separate dosing equipment.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A packaged product comprising a combination of a concentrated particulate detergent composition (5) and a package (3), said package comprising a unitary dosing device and closure (9), and wherein at least 70 % by number of particles of the composition comprise a high-surfactant core and a hard coating.