Dishwasher Composition with Controlled Dissolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional machine dishwasher compositions require frequent dosing and lack flexibility in releasing active agents over multiple wash programs, leading to inefficient use and environmental impact, with existing solutions either rapidly dissolving or being limited in ingredient variety and duration.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a high hydrolysis vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer and a polyhydric alcohol, which gradually dissolves and disperses over multiple wash programs, allowing controlled release of active agents and eliminating the need for frequent dosing, while also serving as an indicator for maintenance tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If conventional compositions are used in machine dishwashers, then active agents are released during wash cycles, but frequent dosing is required and active agents are not released controllably over multiple programs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of active agent releaseVSAvoidtime for frequent dosing

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The composition is prepared in advance with a polymer matrix and active agents encapsulated together, allowing it to be placed in the dishwasher once and release active agents controllably over multiple wash programs without requiring frequent user intervention for dosing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The composition maintains continuous release of active agents throughout multiple wash programs through gradual dissolution of the polymer matrix, ensuring sustained cleaning performance without interruption or need for replenishment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Speed

If compositions are designed to dissolve rapidly, then active agents are released quickly, but the composition cannot survive multiple wash programs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedissolution speedVSAvoidnumber of wash programs survived

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer matrix parameters are specifically selected and adjusted to achieve optimal dissolution characteristics - the composition dissolves at a controlled rate that balances sufficient active agent release with structural integrity to withstand multiple wash program cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The composition combines a polymer matrix with specific dissolution properties and active cleaning agents into a composite structure that provides both controlled release kinetics and mechanical durability across multiple wash cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If separate rinse aid dispenser is used, then rinse aid is automatically dispensed, but the dispenser is limited in volume and ingredient flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic dispensingVSAvoidingredient flexibility and volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The composition can be placed in the main detergent dispenser and serves multiple functions - providing both main wash detergent and rinse aid functionality through controlled release of different active agents at different stages of the wash program, eliminating the need for separate dispensers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The composition merges multiple functional ingredients (detergent, rinse aid, polymers) into a single integrated formulation that can be dosed once in the main dispenser, combining the functions of multiple separate products

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 composition ensures effective performance of active agents over multiple wash cycles without residue, reducing waste and environmental impact, and provides a convenient, flexible dosing option that maintains cleaning efficacy and alerts users to maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

The composition is not rapidly dissolved during a first wash program, but instead is able to gradually dissolve and/or disperse over a plurality of wash programs in a machine dishwasher

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution:

Implementation Method 2

The composition comprises from 1 to 25 wt% of at least one polyhydric alcohol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasticization:

Data Source

PatentEP3497197B1Composition for use in a machine dishwasher

Publication Date: 2022.03.23 RECKITT BENCKISER FINISH BV

AI summary

A composition comprising: from 25 to 80 wt% of at least one vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer, where the copolymer comprises at least 85 mol% vinyl alcohol units; from 1 to 25 wt% of at least one polyhydric alcohol; and from 5 to 50 wt% of a first active agent which is: a polymer comprising a monomer having at least one carboxylic acid group or a salt or ester thereof; a polymer comprising a monomer having at least one imine group or a salt thereof; or a polymer comprising a monomer having at least one aspartic acid group or a salt or ester thereof. A package containing the composition. A method of preparing the composition, the method comprising extruding the composition. A method of machine dishwashing, wherein the first active agent is released into wash water over the course of a plurality of dishwashing programs.