Cyclodextrin Laundry Sheets for Malodor Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laundry tablets and pouches face issues with delayed dissolution of ingredients, incompatible ingredient formulations, and residues from wrapping materials, while existing fragrances are expensive and only partially effective in masking odors.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating cyclodextrin into a laundry article, specifically a laundry sheet, to enhance fragrance intensity and malodor reduction, improving the olfactory impression and effectiveness compared to liquid detergent formulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If fragrances are used to mask odors, then olfactory impression is improved, but cost increases and odor masking is only partial

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveolfactory impressionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Cyclodextrin acts as an intermediary substance that forms inclusion complexes with both fragrance molecules and malodor molecules. This mediator enables the fragrance to be released in a controlled manner while simultaneously trapping malodor molecules, achieving complete odor neutralization rather than partial masking, and reducing the overall cost by eliminating the need for excessive fragrance dosing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If cyclodextrin is used for malodor reduction, then odor neutralization is improved, but fragrance intensity may be reduced without proper formulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemalodor reductionVSAvoidfragrance intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The cyclodextrin is pre-formed into inclusion complexes with fragrance molecules during the laundry sheet manufacturing process. This preliminary action ensures that the fragrance is protected and pre-positioned within the cyclodextrin cavity structure, allowing for controlled release during the washing cycle. This prevents premature fragrance loss while ensuring adequate fragrance intensity is maintained alongside malodor reduction capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 cyclodextrin in the laundry sheet improves fragrance intensity and provides better malodor reduction, offering a more effective and cost-efficient solution for fabric treatment while avoiding residue issues.

Implementation Method 1

the presence of at least one cyclodextrin in a laundry sheet improves the olfactory impression of the product itself in intensifying the fragrance intensity and fragrance-imparting quality thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInclusion complex formation: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the presence of at least one cyclodextrin in a laundry sheet yields better malodor reduction effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP4112709A1Use of cyclodextrins for malodor reduction in the area of laundry care

Publication Date: 2023.01.04 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

The present invention generally relates to an article for the treatment of fabrics comprising a substrate and a textile treatment composition, characterized in that the article further comprises at least one cyclodextrin. The invention also relates to the use of such a laundry article for treating fabrics, and to a method of using such articles. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of cyclodextrins in such a laundry article for improving the olfactory impression of the article and for malodor combatting.