Consumable Active-Agent Articles for Residue-Free Fabric Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dryer-added articles, such as dryer bars and carrier sheets, often leave residual material in the dryer after use, leading to waste due to their non-consumable nature.
Innovation Solution
Development of consumable, single-use active agent-containing articles, such as fibrous structures and films, with a lamellar structure, low density, and high free melt flow, designed for use in dryers and washing machines, which fully deposit active agents on fabrics or hair during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If existing dryer-added articles (carrier sheets, dryer bars) are used, then fabric conditioning function is provided, but residual material remains in the dryer creating waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by designing a consumable dryer-added article that is intended to be completely used up during the drying cycle. The article comprises a water-soluble or water-disintegrable carrier and fabric conditioning active agent, both designed to dissolve or break apart in the dryer environment, leaving no residual material. This resolves the contradiction by making the article consumable (improving reliability of complete consumption) while eliminating waste material (improving loss of substance).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of the carrier material to be water-soluble or water-disintegrable, and adjusting the fabric conditioning active agent to have appropriate water solubility. These parameter changes enable the article to completely consume during use without leaving residuals, resolving the contradiction between consumability and waste elimination.
2Duration of action of moving object
If multi-use dryer bar is used, then repeated use is possible, but fabric conditioning active agent remains attached to holder creating waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by designing a single-use consumable article that transfers all its fabric conditioning active agent to the fabric during one drying cycle. The water-soluble carrier and soluble active agent ensure complete consumption, eliminating the problem of unconsumed agent remaining on a holder. This resolves the contradiction by prioritizing complete consumption over reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies phase transitions by utilizing the dissolution of the water-soluble carrier and fabric conditioning active agent in the dryer environment. This phase transition from solid to dissolved state enables complete consumption and transfer of the active agent to the fabric, preventing any material from remaining as waste on a holder.
3Ease of manufacture
If carrier sheet with fabric conditioning active agent is used, then fabric treatment is achieved, but remnants of carrier sheet must be disposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by designing a water-soluble or water-disintegrable carrier sheet that completely dissolves or breaks apart during the drying cycle. This eliminates the need to dispose of carrier sheet remnants, as the carrier fully consumes and leaves no solid waste. The simple structure is maintained while achieving complete consumption through the water-soluble design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the carrier material to be water-soluble or water-disintegrable, changing its physical properties from insoluble to soluble/disintegrable. This parameter change enables the carrier to completely consume in the dryer environment without leaving remnants, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and waste elimination.
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 articles are completely consumed during use, eliminating waste and effectively treating fabrics or hair by fully depositing active agents, ensuring no residual material remains in the dryer.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the water-insoluble article may form a lamellar structure (exhibit a lamellar structure response) as measured by the Lamellar Structure Test Method
Implementation Method 2
During use, the fabric conditioning active agent is at least partially transferred to (deposited on) fabrics from the sheet and/or dryer drum
Data Source
AI summary
Active agent-containing articles, for example dryer-added articles and/or washing machine-added articles and/or hair care articles, and more particularly to consumable, single use, water-insoluble articles containing one or more active agents and optionally, one or more auxiliary ingredients, methods for making same, and methods for using same are provided.