Dry Detergent Foam Control via Polydimethylsiloxane and Sodium Acetate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern high-efficiency washing machines have low tolerance for suds, leading to reduced cleaning performance and residue buildup due to high suds profiles from newer detergent formulations containing anionic surfactants, which are difficult to control and often require mechanical and software interventions to manage.
Innovation Solution
A dry detergent composition combining anionic and non-ionic surfactants with a foam control agent like polydimethylsiloxane and sodium acetate, allowing for adjustable suds profiles and eliminating suds production, thereby enhancing cleaning efficiency and reducing residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If anionic surfactants are used in detergent formulations, then cleaning power is improved, but suds level increases causing mechanical action hindrance and reduced cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the foam control agent from liquid to dry powder form. This parameter change allows the agent to remain stable in dry detergent formulations without premature activation, while still providing effective suds control when the detergent is dissolved in water during the wash cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dry powder foam control agent as an intermediary substance that mediates between the anionic surfactants (which produce suds) and the washing machine mechanical action. This intermediary reduces suds interference without compromising the cleaning power of the anionic surfactants
2Object-generated harmful factors
If liquid antifoam agents are used to control suds, then suds level is reduced, but detergent formulation becomes liquid and storage stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the foam control agent from liquid to dry powder form. This parameter change allows the agent to remain stable in dry detergent formulations without premature activation, while still providing effective suds control when the detergent is dissolved in water during the wash cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material by combining the foam control agent with inert carriers or bulking agents in a dry powder matrix. This composite structure maintains the functional properties of the foam control agent while providing the stability and free-flow characteristics of a dry powder detergent formulation
3Object-generated harmful factors
If mechanical and software devices are added to monitor suds levels, then suds control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the detergent formulation to self-regulate suds levels through the inherent properties of the dry powder foam control agent. The agent automatically activates when the detergent dissolves in water, providing suds control without requiring external monitoring devices or user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the suds control function from the washing machine hardware/software system and transfers it to the detergent chemical formulation. This eliminates the need for mechanical suds sensors, software protocols, and associated control systems in the washing machine
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 effectively reduces or eliminates suds, improving cleaning and rinsing power, increasing storage stability, and eliminating the need for mechanical and software suds control protocols, while maintaining a broad spectrum of cleaning effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a foam control agent like polydimethylsiloxane and sodium acetate, allowing for adjustable suds profiles and eliminating suds production
Implementation Method 2
anionic surfactants because they are excellent at dirt removal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a detergent composition for dish washing and clothes washing machines which includes an anionic surfactant, a non-ionic surfactant, and a foam control agent which includes polydimethylsiloxane, sodium acetate, and mixtures thereof. The detergent composition is in a dry form and is capable to reduce or preclude the formation of suds when combined with water.