Distorted Lenticular Detergent Particle Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to control the flowability profile of lenticular laundry detergent particles, especially when dispensed from a bottle, as conventional shapes and sizes lead to inconsistent dispensing due to differences in flowability compared to traditional detergent products.
Innovation Solution
The development of a coated detergent particle with a distorted oblate spheroidal shape, characterized by specific dimensions and composition, including 20wt% to 59wt% detersive surfactant and 10wt% to 40wt% inorganic salts, where the surface area to volume ratio is altered to achieve a controlled flow rate by adjusting the extrusion process conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional lenticular detergent particles are used, then good flowability is achieved, but dispensing control from bottle is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by distorting the conventional oblate spheroid shape into an asymmetric distorted oblate spheroidal shape with specific dimension ratios (x:y:z where y and z are 2-8mm and x is 1-2mm). This asymmetric geometry creates unpredictable tumbling motion during dispensing, providing both flowability and controlled dispensing characteristics that symmetric shapes cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the detergent particle by defining specific dimension ranges (x: 1-2mm, y: 2-8mm, z: 2-8mm) and controlling the surface area to volume ratio. These parameter changes optimize the balance between flow rate and dispensing control, transforming the particle behavior during bottle dispensing operations.
2Productivity
If fast flow rate is achieved, then productivity is improved, but dispensing consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The distorted oblate spheroidal shape with asymmetric dimensions creates a tumbling motion pattern that ensures consistent dosing. The asymmetry in x, y, and z dimensions (where x is 1-2mm while y and z are 2-8mm) generates predictable chaotic flow that maintains both speed and dosing reliability during bottle dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by designing a shape that naturally tumbles and rotates during dispensing. The distorted geometry with specific surface area to volume ratio creates dynamic motion patterns that adapt to flow conditions, ensuring consistent dosing performance across varying dispensing speeds and maintaining reliability while achieving productivity goals.
3Ease of manufacture
If oblate spheroid shape is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but flowability control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces controlled asymmetry into the manufacturing process by defining a distorted oblate spheroidal shape with specific dimension relationships (x: 1-2mm, y: 2-8mm, z: 2-8mm). This asymmetric geometry can be produced using modified extrusion techniques while achieving superior flowability control that standard oblate spheroids cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves flowability control by precisely controlling geometric parameters during manufacturing. The surface area to volume ratio is optimized within specific ranges, and the dimension ratios are maintained to ensure consistent flow characteristics. These parameter changes enable manufacturers to produce particles with tailored flow properties while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through adapted extrusion processes.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coated detergent particle having a distorted oblate spheroidal shape with perpendicular dimensions x, y and z, wherein x is from 1 to 2 mm, y is from 2 to 8mm, and z is from 2 to 8 mm, wherein the particle comprises: (a) from 20wt% to 59wt% detersive surfactant selected from anionic detersive surfactant and/or non-ionic detersive surfactant; (b) from 10wt% to 40wt% inorganic salts selected from sodium carbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate and any mixtures thereof; (c) optionally, from 10wt% to 40wt% citric acid and/or salts thereof; wherein the detersive surfactant comprises from 51wt% to 100wt% alkyl benzene sulphonate, wherein the coating comprises the inorganic salt (b), and wherein the core comprises the detersive surfactant (a), wherein the oblate spheroidal shape is distorted such that the ratio of the surface area (S) to volume (V) of the particle is different to the value of NL, S/V≠NL wherein NL is defined as: NL=32b+3b4ϵa2ln1+ϵ1−ϵ wherein a = is half of the greater of y or z (long radius of the oblate) b = half of the dimension x (short radius of the oblate) ∈ = the eccentricity, wherein ϵ=1−b2a2