Dosage element and a method of manufacturing a dosage element

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dosage elements for ware washing machines face complications in manufacturing due to the need to accommodate multiple active components, leading to increased production costs and handling risks for consumers, as they often require separate and incompatible ingredients that need to be activated at different times during the washing cycle.

Innovation Solution

A dosage element comprising two joined parts, where one part is an open receptacle and the other part carries a substrate with substances arranged in side-by-side relation, allowing for a compact and easy-to-manufacture design that separates components for controlled release during the washing cycle, using water-soluble materials for both parts to ensure safe handling and efficient dissolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple active components are kept separate in a compound tablet, then they can be activated at different points during the washing cycle, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled release of active ingredientsVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dosage element is divided into two distinct parts: a receptacle containing multiple active components in side-by-side compartments, and a separate water-soluble wrapper. This segmentation allows each component to be isolated and controlled independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A water-soluble wrapper acts as an intermediary element that encapsulates the receptacle containing multiple active components. The wrapper dissolves in the washing cycle to release the components at controlled times, simplifying manufacturing by providing a straightforward encapsulation approach rather than complex integrated structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple active components are kept separate in a compound tablet, then they can be activated at different points during the washing cycle, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled release of active ingredientsVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The dosage element is divided into two distinct parts: a receptacle containing multiple active components in side-by-side compartments, and a separate water-soluble wrapper. This segmentation allows each component to be isolated and controlled independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The water-soluble wrapper serves multiple functions: it protects the active components during storage, provides structural integrity to the dosage element, and controls the release timing of all components simultaneously when it dissolves. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex structures or processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If consumers handle detergent compositions directly, then the dosage element can be simple, but health and hygiene risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosage element structureVSAvoidconsumer exposure to active ingredients

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A water-soluble wrapper acts as an intermediary element that encapsulates the receptacle containing multiple active components. The wrapper dissolves in the washing cycle to release the components at controlled times, simplifying manufacturing by providing a straightforward encapsulation approach rather than complex integrated structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The water-soluble wrapper is implemented as a thin film structure that completely encapsulates the receptacle. This flexible film provides effective barrier protection during storage and handling, then dissolves completely during the washing cycle to release the active ingredients, eliminating consumer exposure risks while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 provides a stable, compact, and stress-resistant dosage element that simplifies manufacturing, reduces handling risks for consumers, and ensures controlled release of active ingredients during the washing cycle, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the washing process.

Implementation Method 1

using water-soluble materials for both parts to ensure safe handling and efficient dissolution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater solubility: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS9902926B2Dosage element and a method of manufacturing a dosage element

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 RECKITT BENCKISER FINISH BV

AI summary

This invention concerns dosage elements for a ware washing machine and a method of manufacturing such dosage elements. In embodiments of the invention a dosage element comprises first (10) and second (20) joined parts, wherein the first part (10) is a part which, prior to joining with the second part (20), comprised an open receptacle and wherein the second part (20) comprises a substrate carrying a plurality of mutually separated substances A, B, C arranged in side by side relation. The second part (20) is joined to said first part (10) so as to close said receptacle and enclose said substances within it. Dosage elements produced in the inventive method are pleasant to handle, while being surprisingly resistant to damage in handling or transit.