Multi-Layer Laundry Sheet With Solid Gel Coating for Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry sheets suffer from poor cleaning performance due to low surfactant concentration and dissolution issues, leading to inadequate cleaning efficacy compared to single dose laundry detergent packets.
Innovation Solution
A water-soluble laundry detergent product with a solid layer comprising a gel and a solidifying agent, coated on or between non-fibrous sheets, which delivers a high dose of surfactants while maintaining adhesion and appropriate dissolution rates during the wash cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the laundry sheet is made thin and aerated to improve dissolution, then dissolution rate is improved, but surfactant concentration delivered during wash cycle decreases leading to poor cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a water-soluble sheet material with a solid surfactant composition that has been melted and coated onto the sheet. The solid surfactant composition forms a distinct layer on the sheet, creating a composite structure where the sheet provides dissolution control and the solid surfactant layer provides concentrated cleaning agents. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the sheet to remain thin for rapid dissolution while the solid surfactant layer maintains high surfactant concentration for effective cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the surfactant from liquid to solid form by melting and coating it onto the sheet. This parameter change allows the surfactant to be delivered in a concentrated solid layer that does not require thickening of the sheet for dissolution control. The solid surfactant composition melts during the wash cycle to release surfactants, providing both rapid dissolution and high concentration.
2Quantity of substance
If a solid layer is applied to the laundry sheet to increase surfactant concentration, then cleaning performance is improved, but adhesion of the solid layer to the sheet may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes heating the solid surfactant composition to a temperature above its melting point to facilitate coating onto the sheet. This thermal processing enables the molten surfactant to penetrate and bond with the sheet material, creating strong adhesion. The heating step is critical for achieving reliable attachment of the solid surfactant layer to the water-soluble sheet.
3Quantity of substance
If high concentration of surfactant is incorporated into the solid layer, then cleaning performance is improved, but plasticization or dissolution of the non-fibrous sheet may occur upon contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the temperature parameter during the coating process by heating the surfactant composition to a specific temperature range (above its melting point but below temperatures that would damage the sheet). This parameter control allows the surfactant to be deposited in a molten state for good adhesion, then cool and solidify without causing plasticization or dissolution of the water-soluble sheet. The controlled thermal processing preserves sheet integrity while achieving high surfactant concentration.
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 enhances cleaning performance to match that of single dose laundry detergent packets by maximizing surfactant concentration and ensuring effective delivery during the wash cycle.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one solid layer comprises a gel and a solidifying agent
Implementation Method 2
the solidifying agent is solid at room temperature, has a melting point of about 50° C. or higher
Implementation Method 3
maintaining adhesion of the solid layer to the laundry sheet
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides water soluble laundry detergent products comprising one or more non-fibrous sheets and at least one solid layer, wherein the at least one solid layer comprises a gel and a solidifying agent and is coated on one or more sides of the one or more non-fibrous sheets, is disposed between two or more of the non-fibrous sheets, or a combination thereof; and methods of their making and using.