Free-Flowing Detergent Particles in Water-Soluble Unit Dose
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Water-soluble unit dose articles with solid particulate laundry detergent compositions often fail to fully dissolve in water, leading to residues on fabrics, especially under difficult wash conditions, due to the detergent interacting with the film and being compressed, which restricts its movement.
Innovation Solution
A water-soluble unit dose article with a free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition within a compartment, where the detergent is not compressed, allowing it to move freely and dissolve effectively upon exposure to water, using a non-soap surfactant and a thin, soluble film to facilitate complete dissolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the solid particulate laundry detergent composition is compressed within the compartment, then the unit dose article maintains its structural integrity during handling, but the detergent particles are restricted in movement and fail to fully dissolve in water
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent composition is pre-formulated with specific particle size distribution (D10=5-15μm, D50=15-25μm, D90=25-40μm) and flowability characteristics before packaging, ensuring optimal dissolution performance while maintaining structural integrity during storage and handling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the detergent particles including size distribution, shape, and surface properties to achieve free-flowing characteristics that enable complete dissolution even when compressed in the water-soluble film compartment
2Quantity of substance
If the solid particulate detergent composition interacts with the water-soluble film, then the detergent is contained within the compartment, but the interaction retards the dissolution of both the film and detergent
Solution Approach 1:
A water-soluble separator layer or coating is introduced between the detergent particles and the water-soluble film to prevent harmful interactions while allowing both components to dissolve completely. This intermediary layer facilitates independent dissolution of each component
Solution Approach 2:
The surface properties of detergent particles are modified to reduce adhesion to the film material, and the film's water solubility parameters are optimized to ensure rapid dissolution that outpaces any retarding interactions
3Use of energy by stationary object
If short and cold water cycles are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but the dissolution of the water-soluble unit dose article and detergent is significantly stressed and incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent particles are engineered with optimized size distribution (fine particles D10=5-15μm provide rapid dissolution, while coarser particles D90=25-40μm maintain structural integrity) and surface properties that enable complete dissolution in cold water within short wash cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent is formulated as a multi-component particulate system with different particle sizes and dissolution rates, creating a segmented structure that ensures complete dissolution under various wash conditions including cold and short cycles
4Stability of the object's composition
If the detergent composition is formulated as a compressed solid tablet, then it maintains shape and stability, but it does not fully dissolve and leaves residues on fabrics
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of compressing the detergent into a stable tablet form, the patent inverts the approach by formulating free-flowing particles with controlled size distribution that naturally maintain stability through their physical properties rather than compression, enabling complete dissolution without fabric residues
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the detergent is changed from compressed solid to free-flowing particles with optimized size distribution (D10=5-15μm, D50=15-25μm, D90=25-40μm), eliminating the need for compression while maintaining stability and achieving complete dissolution
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 significantly reduces detergent residues on fabrics by ensuring complete dissolution of the detergent, even under challenging wash conditions, by maintaining the detergent's free-flowing nature and using a non-soap surfactant for optimal cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
Water-soluble unit dose articles comprise water-soluble film defining at least one internal compartment. Upon exposure to water, the water-soluble film dissolves/disintegrates releasing the laundry detergent composition into the surrounding water.
Implementation Method 2
The solid particulate laundry detergent composition comprises a non-soap surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
Water-soluble unit dose article containing solid laundry detergent composition and water-soluble film.