Concentrated Flowable Detergent Composition for Stable Sachet Dosing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing agents face challenges in achieving high concentration without compromising optical and rheological properties, storage stability, and cleaning performance, particularly when packaged in water-soluble sachets and requiring ingredients from renewable resources.

Innovation Solution

A flowable washing agent preparation comprising alcohol polyalkoxylate, polyalkoxylated polyalkyleneimine, alkyl ether sulfate, and specific ratios of surfactants, solvents, and enzymes, optimized for visual appeal, ease of production, and long shelf life, with a focus on renewable ingredients.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the concentration of active ingredients is increased to improve cleaning performance and reduce packaging volume, then cleaning efficiency and transport sustainability improve, but optical properties and storage stability deteriorate due to incompatibilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentration of active ingredientsVSAvoidstorage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by introducing a specific polyalkoxylated polyalkyleneimine with controlled molecular weight (5,000-60,000 g/mol) and polydispersity (1.05-1.30), and uses it in optimized concentrations (0.1-5 wt%) to maintain stability in high-concentration formulations (70-90 wt% active ingredients). This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between high concentration and storage stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite surfactant system combining polyalkoxylated polyalkyleneimine with alcohol polyalkoxylates and alkyl ether sulfates. This composite approach allows the different components to complement each other, maintaining formulation stability and preventing incompatibilities even at high active ingredient concentrations up to 90 wt%.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If the concentration of active ingredients is increased to improve cleaning performance, then cleaning efficiency improves, but optical properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentration of active ingredientsVSAvoidoptical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameters of the polyalkoxylated polyalkyleneimine (5,000-60,000 g/mol) and its polydispersity (1.05-1.30) to control light scattering and maintain attractive optical properties even in concentrated formulations. This allows achieving 70-90 wt% active ingredient concentration while preserving visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If miniaturization of film pouches is implemented to improve handling and reduce packaging, then consumer convenience and sustainability improve, but dosing precision and application control become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilm pouch sizeVSAvoiddosing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent formulates the washing agent with controlled viscosity parameters through selective use of polyalkoxylated polyalkyleneimine (molecular weight 5,000-60,000 g/mol) that maintains optimal flow characteristics in concentrated form. This ensures precise dosing performance even in miniaturized pouch formats, resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and dosing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 a visually appealing, concentrated, and stable washing agent that maintains good cleaning performance, is easy to dose, and is suitable for packaging in water-soluble sachets, enhancing sustainability and consumer convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a) 1 to 7 wt. % alcohol polyalkoxylate... b) 1 to 7 wt. % polyalkoxylated polyalkyleneimine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension reduction: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

c) 5 to 15 wt. % alkyl ether sulfate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicelle formation: Surfactant

Implementation Method 3

a washing agent portion unit comprising i) a washing agent preparation according to the invention and ii) a water-soluble film which completely encloses the washing agent preparation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS12595439B2Concentrated flowable washing agent preparation having improved properties

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

A flowable washing agent preparation containing, based on the total weight thereof, a) 1 to 7 wt. % alcohol polyalkoxylate having a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range of from 600 g/mol to 10,000 g/mol, obtainable by reacting diols or triols having primary and/or secondary OH groups, and having a molecular weight Mw in the range of from 60 g/mol to 200 g/mol, with alkylene oxides; b) 1 to 7 wt. % polyalkoxylated polyalkyleneimine obtainable by reacting polyalkyleneimines with alkylene oxides; c) 5 to 15 wt. % alkyl ether sulfate; and d) less than 20 wt. % water, wherein the weight ratio of alcohol polyalkoxylate to polyalkoxylated polyalkyleneimine is 2:1 to 2:3, and a textile washing method using these washing agent preparations.