Laundry Composition Insoluble Ester Wax Particles Fabric Abrasion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Colored clothes are prone to damage during the washing process, especially when using granular laundry compositions, which reduces their aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating insoluble ester wax particles into the laundry treatment composition to prevent damage during the domestic main wash process, with particle sizes ranging from 1 to 3000 microns and comprising greater than 50% ester wax by weight, which do not dissolve in water or surfactant solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If granular laundry compositions are used for washing, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but fabric damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidfabric damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces ester wax particles as an intermediary substance between the granular laundry composition and the fabric. These particles act as a protective mediator that reduces direct mechanical damage during agitation while allowing the cleaning agents to work effectively. The wax particles form a protective layer or cushioning effect that mitigates the harmful abrasion caused by granular formulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the laundry composition by incorporating ester wax particles with specific size ranges (0.05-5 microns or 1-3000 microns) and specific properties (insoluble in water and surfactant solutions). This parameter change modifies the mechanical interaction between the washing formulation and fabric, reducing damage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If vigorous agitation is applied to remove dirt, then cleaning performance is improved, but fabric surface damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidfabric surface integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The ester wax particles are incorporated into the laundry composition beforehand to provide cushioning protection before the vigorous agitation occurs. This prior cushioning effect prevents direct impact and abrasion between the granular formulation and fabric surfaces during the washing process, thereby protecting fabric integrity while allowing effective dirt removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If polysaccharide and deformable particles are used to reduce fabric abrasion, then fabric protection is improved, but particle solubility and stability become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabric abrasionVSAvoidparticle solubility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs insoluble ester wax particles that can be easily filtered out after washing, functioning as a disposable protective element. These particles perform their protective function during the wash cycle and are then removed through filtration, avoiding the solubility and stability issues associated with polysaccharide-based solutions while maintaining fabric protection benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP2252681B2Laundry treatment compositions

Publication Date: 2022.11.02 UNILEVER IP HLDG BV

AI summary

According to the invention there is provided a laundry treatment composition including an insoluble ester wax particle for use in the wash cycle. A method for applying these compositions during the wash cycle of a laundry process as well as the use of these particles to reduce clothes damage is also included.