Laundry Additive Composition with Integrated Softening and Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multifunction laundry additives that combine softening and stain-removing or bleaching actions are ineffective when added in the final rinsing phase due to incompatible ingredients and differing functional requirements, with esterquat-based softeners being deactivated by stain-removing components.
Innovation Solution
A liquid additive composition with integrated action, comprising a cleaning/stain-removing component of nonionic surfactants, performance boosters, and anionic surfactants, a softening component of quaternary silicones and amino-modified silicones, a sensory component with fragrance microcapsules, and a pH regulator like citric acid, allowing simultaneous softening and cleaning/stain-removing functions without deactivating each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If esterquat-based softeners are combined with stain-removing components in a single additive, then multifunctionality is achieved, but the softening action is completely deactivated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing esterquat with quaternary silicones (specifically dimethicone and amodimethicone) as the softening agent. This parameter change allows the softening function to coexist with stain-removing components without deactivation, as the silicone-based softeners have different chemical properties that are compatible with oxidizing agents and surfactants used in stain removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite additive composition that integrates multiple functional components: quaternary silicones for softening, surfactants for cleaning, and oxidizing agents for stain removal. This composite formulation allows all functions to work simultaneously without mutual interference, resolving the contradiction between multifunctionality and softening effectiveness.
2Reliability
If stain-removing additives are added in the pre-washing or washing phase, then cleaning effectiveness is maximized, but softening effect is lost due to subsequent rinsing phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing of softening and stain-removing actions by formulating a single additive that performs both functions simultaneously. The quaternary silicone softeners and stain-removing agents are combined in one composition that can be added in the final rinse phase, allowing both functions to occur at the same time rather than at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal additive composition that performs multiple functions (softening, cleaning, and stain removal) in a single product. This multi-functional additive can be added in the final rinse phase and still deliver all desired effects, eliminating the need for separate additives at different stages of the washing process.
3Ease of operation
If multiple additive functions are combined in a single product, then ease of use is improved, but ingredient incompatibility leads to partial or total inactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the chemical parameters of the formulation by selecting quaternary silicones with specific molecular structures and properties that are chemically compatible with surfactants and oxidizing agents. This parameter optimization ensures that all ingredients remain active and functional when combined, preventing the inactivity that plagues incompatible formulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses quaternary silicones as intermediary substances that mediate between the softening function and the stain-removing components. These silicones act as a bridge that allows incompatible ingredients (such as cationic softeners and anionic surfactants) to coexist without neutralizing each other, maintaining the reliability of all functional components.
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 composition effectively combines softening and cleaning/stain-removing functions in a single additive, even when added in the final rinsing phase, maintaining softness and fragrance while ensuring effective cleaning without deactivating the softening action, using reduced surfactant quantities and stabilizing the pH.
Implementation Method 1
the molecules of the softening product become bound to the fibers of the fabrics, creating a thin film and the final effect is a greater softness of the garment, combined with its possible fragrance and, again thanks to the composition of the softening product and reduction in friction between the fibers
Implementation Method 2
The composition of liquid stain-removing additives is generally based on an appropriate mixture of nonionic, anionic, amphoteric surfactants, amine oxide, enzymes or hydrogen peroxide or other oxidizing agents
Implementation Method 3
a sensory component comprising fragrance microcapsules and perfuming oil
Implementation Method 4
the molecules of the softening product become bound to the fibers of the fabrics
Implementation Method 5
an acid with a pK lower than 6 as pH regulator and buffer, preferably citric acid, and wherein the pH of the composition is lower than 6
Implementation Method 6
enzymes or hydrogen peroxide or other oxidizing agents, such as, for example, sodium hypochlorite
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2B~2
AI summary
A liquid additive composition with integrated action, said composition comprising i) a cleaning/stain-removing component consisting of: a) at least one nonionic surfactant; b) at least one performance booster; and c) at least one anionic surfactant; ii) a softening component selected from quaternary silicones, amino-modified silicones and guar gum and mixtures thereof; iii) a sensory component comprising fragrance microcapsules and perfuming oil; iv) an acid with a pK lower than 6 as pH regulator and buffer, and v) water Use of the composition as a softening, perfuming, cleaning and/or stain-removing agent, by addition in the final washing/rinsing phase of garments. A process for preparing the composition.