Laundry Additive Composition for Drum and Fabric Odor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry washing machines often develop offensive odors due to microbial growth, and existing cleaning products can harm fabrics and machine components, necessitating a solution that effectively treats both laundry and the washing machine drum without these risks.
Innovation Solution
A liquid laundry additive composition comprising zinc ricinoleate, carboxyalkyl cellulose, and at least one surfactant, with a specific ratio of surfactant to zinc ricinoleate on a dry basis, which is added to the wash cycle to reduce odors in laundry and the washing machine drum without using excessive zinc ricinoleate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If strong oxidizing agents (sodium hypochlorite, sodium percarbonate) are used to clean the washing machine drum, then drum odor is removed, but fabrics and machine components are harmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning composition by using zinc ricinoleate (a mild chelating agent) instead of strong oxidizing agents like sodium hypochlorite. This parameter change maintains effective odor removal through microbial inhibition while reducing the harmful effects on fabrics and machine components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a mild, biodegradable cleaning composition that can be safely used with laundry, replacing the need for harsh, separate drum cleaning cycles. The composition acts as a gentle, short-term cleaning solution that doesn't require separate application and rinsing cycles.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If zinc ricinoleate content is increased to improve odor removal, then laundry odor is reduced, but the cost and formulation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite cleaning formulation that combines zinc ricinoleate with surfactants and other compatible ingredients. This composite approach enhances the overall cleaning and odor-removal effectiveness while maintaining a balanced formulation that doesn't require excessive zinc ricinoleate content.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning composition is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it cleans laundry, removes drum odor, and is safe for fabrics and machine components. This multi-functionality is achieved through a balanced formulation where zinc ricinoleate works synergistically with other ingredients rather than relying on high concentrations of a single component.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If existing cleaning products are used in a separate wash cycle without laundry, then drum odor is removed, but the washing process is interrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laundry washing function with the drum cleaning function into a single integrated process. The cleaning composition is designed to work effectively during normal wash cycles with laundry present, eliminating the need for separate drum cleaning cycles and reducing total time investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning composition is formulated to work effectively during regular laundry cycles, allowing the washing machine to clean itself passively during normal operation. The composition accumulates in the drum over time and provides ongoing odor prevention without requiring active intervention or separate cleaning cycles.
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 additive effectively reduces odors in laundry and the washing machine drum while maintaining normal zinc ricinoleate levels, providing superior odor removal without harming fabrics or machine components.
Implementation Method 1
zinc ricinoleate... effectively reduces odors in laundry and the washing machine drum
Implementation Method 2
at least one surfactant... superior laundry additive for removing odor from laundry
Implementation Method 3
carboxyalkyl cellulose... controlling the total amount of surfactant, on a dry basis, relative to the zinc ricinoleate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a liquid laundry additive composition and method of use in washing laundry. Not only does the composition reduce laundry odors but it also reduces washing machine drum odor.