Concentrated Flowable Washing Agent with Pectinolytic Enzyme

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a visually appealing, concentrated flowable washing agent preparation that can be produced efficiently, has good shelf life, and provides effective cleaning results, while being packaged in water-soluble sachets predominantly from renewable raw materials.

Innovation Solution

A flowable washing agent preparation containing 2-20 wt.% C8-18 alkylbenzene sulfonates, 0.05-2 wt.% pectinolytic enzyme, and less than 20 wt.% water, with optional non-ionic surfactants, fatty acids, and enzyme preparations, packaged in a water-soluble film to enhance sustainability and miniaturization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the concentration of active ingredients in washing agents is increased, then cleaning performance is improved, but optical and rheological properties deteriorate and storage stability is affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidstorage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter from liquid to solid formulation, allowing high concentration of active ingredients (2-20 wt% anionic surfactant, 0.05-2 wt% pectinolytic enzyme) while maintaining storage stability. The solid matrix prevents phase separation and maintains optical clarity at these concentrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite solid washing agent containing multiple components: anionic surfactants (C8-18 alkylbenzene sulfonates), pectinolytic enzymes, and additional enzymes (protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase) in a unified solid matrix. This composite structure enables synergistic effects while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the concentration of active ingredients is increased, then cleaning performance is improved, but optical properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidoptical appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the formulation from liquid to solid state, which allows high active ingredient concentrations (up to 20 wt% surfactant) without the optical cloudiness and turbidity that occur in concentrated liquid formulations. The solid matrix provides optical clarity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of substance

If washing agents are miniaturized for sustainability, then transport volumes and packaging are reduced, but dosing accuracy and handling become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport volumeVSAvoiddosing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses water-soluble film pouches as the container system. These flexible films can be miniaturized to small portions (e.g., 10-50g) while maintaining ease of handling. The films are designed to be water-soluble, allowing direct dissolution in the washing machine drum without transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs disposable water-soluble film pouches that are discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for complex dosing mechanisms and refilling systems, simplifying operation while enabling miniaturization for sustainability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of operation

If washing agents are packaged in water-soluble sachets, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of dosingVSAvoidpackaging manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the washing agent into individual portion units enclosed in separate water-soluble film pouches. Each pouch is a self-contained unit that can be manufactured independently and disposed of after use, simplifying the overall system while enabling easy dosing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 achieves attractive product appearance, extended shelf life, and superior cleaning performance, with the ability to be packaged in transparent, water-soluble pouches, ensuring easy handling and reduced environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

a preparation of a pectinolytic enzyme

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

a preparation of a pectinolytic enzyme

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 3

a) 2 to 20 wt. % anionic surfactant from the group of C8-18 alkylbenzene sulfonates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS20220348842A1Concentrated Flowable Washing Agent Preparation Having Improved Properties

Publication Date: 2022.11.03 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

The invention relates to a flowable washing agent preparation containing, based on the total weight thereof, a) 2 to 20 wt. % anionic surfactant from the group of C8-18 alkylbenzene sulfonates; b) 0.05 to 2 wt. % of a preparation of a pectinolytic enzyme; c) less than 20 wt. % water, to washing agent portion units containing these washing agent preparations and to washing methods using these washing agent preparations or washing agent portion units.