Method of laundering fabric at low temperatures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laundering fabrics at low temperatures using fabric softeners results in reduced fabric whiteness, particularly in cotton-based fabrics, due to the negative impact of fabric softener actives on laundry detergent performance.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an esterase enzyme, such as lipase, into the laundry detergent composition for low-temperature washes to improve fabric whiteness by mitigating the effects of fabric softeners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fabric softener is added during the rinse cycle to reduce wrinkles and improve fabric feel, then fabric softness and wrinkle reduction are improved, but fabric whiteness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabric softnessVSAvoidfabric whiteness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an esterase enzyme as an intermediary substance that specifically targets and degrades the fabric softener residue on fabric surfaces. This mediator enables the removal of the harmful effect (whiteness loss) without eliminating the beneficial effect (fabric softness), as the enzyme selectively breaks down the cationic surfactant deposits while leaving the fabric structure intact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the wash liquor by adding esterase enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of ester bonds in fabric softener molecules. This parameter change enables the transformation of harmful fabric softener residues into removable components, thereby restoring fabric whiteness while preserving the conditioning benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If wash water temperature is lowered to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint, then energy efficiency is improved, but cleaning efficacy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcleaning efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal mechanism (heat) with a biochemical mechanism (enzymatic action). Instead of relying on thermal energy to drive cleaning reactions, the system uses esterase enzymes that catalyze specific chemical reactions at low temperatures, thereby maintaining cleaning efficacy without requiring high water temperatures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter from temperature-dependent thermal reactions to enzyme-catalyzed biochemical reactions. This parameter change allows the cleaning process to proceed efficiently at low temperatures (30°C or less) by utilizing the catalytic activity of esterase enzymes rather than relying on thermal energy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If fabric softener is used to improve fabric feel, then fabric conditioning is improved, but subsequent laundry detergent performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabric conditioningVSAvoidlaundry detergent performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by adding the esterase enzyme during the wash cycle before the fabric softener is applied in the rinse cycle. This preliminary enzymatic treatment creates a fabric surface that is more receptive to subsequent softener application, allowing the softener to work effectively while the enzyme continues to degrade residues, thereby maintaining both fabric conditioning and detergent performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The esterase enzyme acts as an intermediary that mediates between the fabric softener and the fabric surface. It selectively degrades the softener molecules that deposit on the fabric, preventing the buildup that would otherwise interfere with subsequent detergent applications, thus maintaining reliable laundry performance across multiple wash cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 use of esterase enzymes in the detergent composition enhances the whiteness perception of fabrics treated with fabric softener, even when laundered at temperatures of 30 °C or less, providing a sustainable and effective cleaning solution.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the fabric with a lipid esterase selected from class E.C. 3.1.1.3, class E.C. 3.1.1.1 , class E.C. 3.1.1.74 or a combination thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

the detergent composition further comprises an esterase enzyme

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP4574943A1Method of laundering fabric at low temperatures

Publication Date: 2025.06.25 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

The need for a method of effectively laundering fabrics that have been treated with fabric softener active, at low temperatures, while also providing improved whiteness is met through the use of a laundering composition which comprises an esterase enzyme.