Enzyme-Coated Laundry Article for Stable Release and Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry detergent tablets and pouches face issues with delayed dissolution and incomplete dissolution of wrapping materials, respectively, while coated laundry articles struggle with enzyme stability and viscosity during manufacturing and application.
Innovation Solution
A laundry article featuring a water-insoluble nonwoven substrate coated with a detergent composition and an enzyme-containing composition, where the enzyme is embedded in a matrix comprising fatty acid soap and a shear-activated thickener, ensuring effective enzyme release and stability during washing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If enzymes are added to the molten mixture during manufacturing, then stain removal effectiveness is improved, but enzyme stability deteriorates due to high temperatures (70°C to 80°C)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coating into separate zones: a detergent composition zone and an enzyme-containing composition zone. The enzyme-containing composition is applied separately after the detergent composition, allowing enzymes to be protected from high-temperature exposure during the detergent coating process while still being incorporated into the final laundry article structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the detergent composition to the substrate first, allows it to solidify, and then applies the enzyme-containing composition on top. This preliminary sequencing protects the enzymes from thermal damage during the initial coating process while ensuring both compositions are present in the final product for effective stain removal.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the matrix material has a low melting point to protect enzymes, then enzyme stability is improved, but composition viscosity decreases making application difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thickener agent to increase the viscosity of the molten enzyme-containing composition. This parameter change allows the composition to be applied uniformly to the substrate without penetrating through it, while the low-melting-point matrix material continues to protect enzymes during the application process.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickener acts as an intermediary substance that modifies the physical properties of the molten composition. It increases viscosity to prevent penetration through the substrate during application, while not interfering with the enzyme protection function of the low-melting-point matrix material.
3Shape
If the coating is applied uniformly to cover the substrate, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but composition penetrates through the substrate causing discharge on the other side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the thickener to change the viscosity parameter of the molten composition. This increased viscosity prevents the composition from penetrating through the substrate during application, allowing uniform coverage on the surface without discharge on the opposite side, thereby achieving both aesthetic appeal and substance retention.
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 an aesthetically appealing and effective cleaning product with improved enzyme stability and release, addressing the challenges of delayed dissolution and incomplete washing process compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
the matrix comprises a fatty acid soap and a shear activated thickener
Implementation Method 2
the enzyme-containing composition comprises an enzyme embedded in a matrix and wherein the matrix comprises a fatty acid soap
Implementation Method 3
During the washing process the coating dissolves and thereby releases its ingredients to the wash liquor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a laundry article used for cleaning fabrics comprising a water-insoluble nonwoven substrate and coated thereon into at least one zone each a detergent composition and an enzyme-containing composition. The enzyme-containing composition comprises an enzyme embedded in a thickened matrix.