Dryer Sheet Using Cyclic Dextrin for Malodor Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry products struggle to effectively neutralize body odor malodors from fabrics, as short-chained fatty acids and mercaptans persist on fabrics post-wash.
Innovation Solution
A dryer sheet containing a fabric conditioning composition that includes a highly-branched cyclic dextrin as a malodor removal/inhibition agent, along with a fabric softening agent and fragrance, is used during the drying of laundered fabrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional laundry products are used to wash fabrics, then fabrics are cleaned, but body odor malodors (short-chained fatty acids and mercaptans) persist on fabrics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter by introducing highly-branched cyclic dextrin with specific molecular weight (100-5000 kDa) and branching structure (average branch chain length of 3-20 glucose units) to enhance malodor neutralization effectiveness beyond conventional laundry products
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite fabric conditioning composition combining fabric softening agents, fragrances, and highly-branched cyclic dextrin in specific ratios (0.05-10.0 wt% dextrin) to achieve both fabric softening and superior malodor neutralization properties
2Ease of operation
If separate fabric conditioning processes are used to treat washed fabrics, then fabric softness and scent are improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fabric treatment functions (softening, fragrance application, and malodor neutralization) into a single integrated dryer sheet composition that is applied during the drying cycle, eliminating the need for separate washing and conditioning processes
Solution Approach 2:
The highly-branched cyclic dextrin serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a malodor neutralizing agent, a fabric conditioning component, and a carrier that works synergistically with softening agents and fragrances in a single application
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 dryer sheet composition is highly effective in removing or eliminating the perception of malodors from washed fabrics, providing enhanced odor neutralization benefits.
Implementation Method 1
The chemical constituents within body odor, predominantly short-chained fatty acids and mercaptans, persist on fabrics post-wear and may sometimes continue to be perceivable after washing with conventional laundry products. It would therefore be desirable to identify new approaches to further neutralize these malodors
Implementation Method 2
The dryer sheet contains a fabric conditioning composition that includes a highly-branched cyclic dextrin as a fabric malodor removal/inhibition agent
Data Source
AI summary
A dryer sheet for use during the drying of washed/laundered fabrics is provided. The dryer sheet contains a fabric conditioning composition that includes a highly-branched cyclic dextrin as a fabric malodor removal/inhibition agent. The dryer sheet has been discovered to be highly-effective in removing or eliminating the perception of malodors within washed fabrics.