Fabric Conditioner Composition First Rinse Softening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fabric conditioners require multiple rinses, consuming significant water and energy, and do not effectively eliminate the need for subsequent rinses when added during the first rinse cycle.
Innovation Solution
A liquid fabric conditioner composition comprising 0.1-20% cationic fabric conditioner active, 0.1-5% anion quencher, and 0.1-10% citric acid, which can be added during the first rinse to provide improved fabric softening and fragrance retention, reducing the need for repeat rinses and conserving water and energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fabric conditioner is added during the first rinse cycle, then fabric softening and fragrance retention are improved, but the composition requires specific combinations of cationic active and anion quencher that are not described in prior art
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifies precise parameter ranges for composition components: cationic fabric conditioner active (0.1-20%), anion quencher (0.1-5%), and citric acid (0.1-10%), with pH controlled below 8. These parameter changes enable the composition to function effectively during the first rinse cycle while maintaining fabric softening performance and fragrance retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite fabric conditioner composition by combining cationic fabric conditioner active with anion quencher and citric acid in specific ratios. This composite formulation, which includes the synergistic combination of these components, achieves improved fabric softening and fragrance retention when added during the first rinse cycle.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple rinses are performed as in conventional washing, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but water and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by adding the fabric conditioner composition during the first rinse cycle itself, rather than in subsequent rinses. This preliminary application of fabric conditioner, combined with the specific formulation including citric acid and anion quencher, enables the composition to provide effective fabric softening and fragrance retention in a single rinse, eliminating the need for multiple rinses and reducing water consumption.
3Loss of time
If fabric conditioner is formulated for first rinse use, then subsequent rinses are eliminated saving time and energy, but the composition must maintain effectiveness at varying pH levels including initial pH above 8
Solution Approach 1:
The invention controls the pH parameter of the fabric conditioner composition to be below 8, and specifies operation in rinse cycles with initial pH above 8. This parameter change and control strategy enables the composition to maintain effectiveness across varying pH conditions, allowing elimination of subsequent rinses while preserving fabric softening performance and fragrance retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses citric acid as an intermediary component in the composition, present at 0.1-10% by weight. Citric acid acts as a mediator that helps the fabric conditioner composition maintain stability and effectiveness across varying pH conditions, enabling the product to function properly during the first rinse cycle even when initial pH is above 8.
Data Source
AI summary
A fabric conditioner composition comprising: (g) 0.1-20% by weight cationic fabric conditioner active; (h) 0.1-5 % by weight anion quencher selected from mono-long chain quaternary ammonium compound of the general formula R(R1)3N+X- or alkyl benzyl quaternary ammonium compound of a general formula R2R3(R4)2N+X-; (i) 0.1-10% by weight organic acid having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; where R is selected from C8-C22 alkyl or alkenyl group, R1 is selected from C1-C3 alkyl group, R2 is selected from C6-C18 alkyl or alkenyl group, R3 is benzyl group, R4 is selected from C1-C3 alkyl group, and X is an anion selected from chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate, sulfate, methyl sulfate, ethyl sulfate, acetate and phosphate.