Multi-Compartment Dosage Element for Isolated Wash Actives
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of manufacturing dosage elements for ware washing machines that incorporate multiple active components poses challenges in isolating each component and providing a compact, cost-effective package, while also addressing consumer health and hygiene concerns by creating a barrier between the components and the user.
Innovation Solution
A dosage element comprising two joined parts, where one part is an open receptacle and the other part carries substances on a substrate, sealed together to form a compact, water-soluble package that is easy to manufacture and resistant to stress, with the option of a third water-soluble lid for added protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple active components are incorporated into a single dosage element, then the functionality and cleaning effectiveness are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and isolation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dosage element is divided into multiple compartments, each containing a different active component. This segmentation allows each component to be isolated and manufactured separately, then assembled into a complete dosage element, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining multiple functionalities
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple compartments are nested within a single dosage element structure, with each compartment containing a specific active component. The compartments are arranged in a compact configuration that allows efficient use of space while maintaining clear separation between incompatible substances
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple active components are kept separate within the dosage element, then compatibility and controlled activation are improved, but the compactness and package size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple compartments are nested within a single dosage element structure, with each compartment containing a specific active component. The compartments are arranged in a compact configuration that allows efficient use of space while maintaining clear separation between incompatible substances
Solution Approach 2:
The compartments are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration within the dosage element, utilizing vertical and lateral space efficiently. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple components to be kept separate while maintaining a compact overall package size
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a barrier is provided between consumer and active ingredients, then health and hygiene safety are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each compartment is enclosed by a water-soluble film or shell that acts as a barrier between the active ingredients and the consumer during handling and storage. These thin flexible barriers provide protection while dissolving completely during the wash cycle, eliminating the need for complex removable packaging
4Ease of operation
If water-soluble materials are used for the dosage element structure, then ease of consumption and complete dissolution are improved, but the structural strength and stress resistance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The dosage element structure uses composite materials combining water-soluble polymers with reinforcing agents or multi-layer constructions. This provides sufficient structural strength to maintain compartment integrity during handling and storage, while ensuring complete dissolution during the wash cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The dosage element is designed to maintain its structural integrity through preliminary design considerations, such as optimized wall thickness and reinforcement at critical points, allowing it to withstand handling stresses before dissolution begins in the wash cycle
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 convenient, compact, and stress-resistant dosage element that is easy to manufacture, ensuring effective separation and protection of active ingredients, reducing handling risks and manufacturing complexity, and ensuring complete consumption within a wash cycle without leaving residues.
Implementation Method 1
Suitable the first part and the substrate of the second part are of water-soluble materials. Water-soluble herein includes water-dispersible.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~4
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, whilst being surprisingly resistant to. damage in handling or transit.