Liquid Detergent Interference Pigment Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid detergent compositions with aesthetic agents, such as pigments, often deposit on treated surfaces, particularly dark fabrics, leading to visible residues that detract from the cleaning appearance and consumer perception.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a colored interference pigment with an absorbance minimum in the 380-750 nm range, combined with a dye system showing complementary colors, to create a two- or multi-tone optical effect while maintaining the pigment in suspension and minimizing surface deposits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If aesthetic agents such as pigments are incorporated into liquid detergent compositions, then the aesthetic appeal and visual attractiveness of the composition are improved, but deposits or residues are formed on the surface being treated, particularly on dark fabrics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidsurface deposits
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful deposition property from the aesthetic agent by using a specifically engineered interference pigment that reflects light to create aesthetic effects without adhering to fabric surfaces. The pigment is designed to remain suspended in the liquid detergent and be rinsed away, separating the aesthetic function from the harmful deposition function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the aesthetic agent by selecting an interference pigment with specific properties: particle size of 0.1-10 micrometers, specific refractive index, and surface treatment that prevents adhesion to fabric. These parameter changes allow the pigment to provide aesthetic effects while minimizing deposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If pigments are used to create aesthetic effects, then the visual appeal of the detergent composition is enhanced, but the perception of cleanliness is reduced due to visible residues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appealVSAvoidcleanliness perception
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of disposable aesthetic agents by using an interference pigment that is designed to be temporary and easily removed. The pigment provides aesthetic effects during the washing process but is formulated to be completely rinsed away, leaving no permanent residues that would affect cleanliness perception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Illumination intensity

If aesthetic agents are incorporated into the detergent composition, then the aesthetic system provides attractive color effects, but the complexity of the composition increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor effectVSAvoidcomposition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the aesthetic function with the existing detergent composition by incorporating the interference pigment into the liquid matrix without requiring separate aesthetic modules or complex multi-component systems. The pigment is integrated into the surfactant and water-based formulation, combining aesthetic effects with cleaning functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enhances the aesthetic appeal of liquid detergents by providing attractive color effects without unacceptable residues on washed surfaces, improving fabric safety and maintaining the cleanliness perception.

Implementation Method 1

a colored interference pigment showing an absorbance minimum in the 380-750 nm range of light spectrum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

a colored interference pigment showing an absorbance minimum in the 380-750 nm range of light spectrum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8691742B2Liquid detergent compositions exhibiting two or multicolor effect
Publication Date: 2014.04.08 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • US8691742B2 patent drawing
  • US8691742B2 patent drawing
  • US8691742B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Treatment composition, preferably liquid detergent compositions exhibiting a two, or multicolor effect, comprising an aesthetic system including a colored interference pigment and a dye system.