Laundry Particles with Silicone and Perfume

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry products face challenges in providing a convenient and effective combination of hydrophobic fabric conditioning agents and perfume, as hydrophobic components often interact in a way that reduces the deposition of silicone on fabrics, leading to inefficiencies in softening and scent distribution.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising separate particles of water-soluble carriers with perfume and silicone, where the onset of melt for both types of particles is between 25°C to 120°C, allowing for stable packaging and controlled release during washing, ensuring efficient deposition of silicone and perfume on fabrics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hydrophobic fabric conditioning agents and perfume are combined in a single product, then convenience is improved, but deposition efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of useVSAvoiddeposition efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the laundry treatment composition into separate particles: first particles containing perfume and second particles containing silicone fabric conditioning agent. Each particle type maintains its own composition integrity, preventing premature interaction between hydrophobic components while enabling combined functionality when used together in a single washing cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If hydrophobic fabric conditioning agents are used, then fabric softness is improved, but product formulation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric softnessVSAvoidproduct formulation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The formulation is segmented into separate particle systems where silicone fabric conditioning agents are encapsulated in second particles with water-soluble carriers. This segmentation allows each particle type to be formulated and optimized independently, simplifying the overall product development process while maintaining effective fabric softness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and delivery mechanism of hydrophobic silicone agents by encapsulating them in water-soluble carrier particles with controlled melt temperatures (25-120°C). This parameter change enables the hydrophobic agent to be delivered through a hydrophilic system, resolving formulation compatibility issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If liquid fabric enhancers are used, then fabric softness and scent are improved, but user care requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric softnessVSAvoiduser care requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The particulate composition is designed for self-service use: users simply pour the particles into the washing machine drum or dispenser, and the particles automatically dissolve and release their contents during the wash cycle. The water-soluble carriers self-dissolve without requiring user intervention, eliminating the careful pouring and positioning steps required for liquid fabric enhancers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Manufacturing precision

If separate particles with different melt temperatures are used, then deposition control is improved, but product complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeposition controlVSAvoidproduct complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes parameter changes in melt temperature (ranging from 25-120°C) of water-soluble carrier materials to control the release timing of perfume and silicone agents. By selecting carriers with appropriate melt points, the formulation achieves controlled deposition during different phases of the washing cycle without adding mechanical complexity.

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

This approach enhances the softness and scent benefits of laundry by ensuring effective deposition of silicone and perfume on fabrics, providing a convenient and customizable solution for consumers.

Implementation Method 1

said first particles have a first particles onset of melt from about 25 °C to about 120 °C; and said second particles have a second particles onset of melt from about 25 °C to about 120 °C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP3464544A1Laundry treatment particles including silicone
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A composition including: a plurality of first particles including: (i) about 30% to about 95% by weight of the first particles a water soluble first carrier, wherein the first particles have a first particles onset of melt from about 25oC to about 120oC; and perfume; and (ii) a plurality of second particles including: about 30% to about 95% by weight of the second particles a water soluble second carrier, wherein the second particles have a second particles onset of melt from about 25oC to about 120oC; and silicone; wherein the first particles and the second particles are in a package.