Particulate Laundry Softening Additive for Detergent-Compatible Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers find it inconvenient to dose separate laundry detergent and softening compositions due to incompatibility issues, leading to stability problems and decreased cleaning performance when combined, and the need for a solid form that can be dispensed together with detergent during the washing step.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising particles with 25% to 94% water soluble carrier, 5% to 45% quaternary ammonium compound, and 0.5% to 5% cationic polymer, designed to be dissolved in the wash liquor for fabric softening during the washing process, allowing separate packaging and customizable dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid detergent composition and liquid softening composition are combined in a single package, then consumer convenience is improved, but stability deteriorates due to formation of solid precipitate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the softening composition from liquid to solid particulate form. This parameter change allows the softening composition to be combined with liquid detergent in a single package without forming precipitates, as the solid particulate form prevents direct liquid-liquid interaction between incompatible anionic surfactants and cationic softening agents while still allowing the softening composition to dissolve and function properly in the wash liquor.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite system consisting of solid particulate softening composition mixed with liquid detergent composition. The composite maintains stability during storage and transport, then functions effectively when both components are dissolved in the wash liquor during the washing process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If liquid softening composition is used separately, then stability is maintained, but consumer convenience deteriorates due to dosing to different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the separate dosing locations for detergent and softening composition into a single dosing location. The solid particulate softening composition can be added to the same dispenser or washing machine compartment as the liquid detergent, simplifying the consumer process while maintaining product stability.
3Ease of operation
If solid particulate softening composition is used, then ease of dosing is improved, but cleaning performance deteriorates due to incompatibility with anionic surfactants
Solution Approach 1:
The solid particulate softening composition is designed to dissolve in the wash liquor during the washing step, before the rinsing step when fabric softening occurs. This preliminary dissolution action ensures that the softening agents are properly mixed and distributed in the wash liquor, maintaining cleaning effectiveness while enabling easy dosing.
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
Provides convenient, stable, and effective fabric softening by allowing consumers to dose a through-the-wash fabric softening composition independently of detergent, enhancing softness without compromising cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
designed to be dissolved in the wash liquor for fabric softening during the washing process
Data Source
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AI summary
A composition including a plurality of particles, the particles including: about 25% to about 94% by weight a water soluble carrier; about 5% to about 45% by weight a quaternary ammonium compound formed from a parent fatty acid compound having an Iodine Value from about 18 to about 60; and about 0.5% to about 10% by weight a cationic polymer; wherein each of the particles has a mass from about 1 mg to about 1 g.