Lavatory Treatment Device Using Adhesion Promoter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lavatory treatment devices and compositions are inadequate in providing effective cleaning, fragrancing, and sanitizing for toilet bowls, as they often rely on outdated methods that fail to maintain appliances in satisfactory condition between uses.

Innovation Solution

A lavatory treatment device comprising a composition with up to 50%wt. of an adhesion promoter based on fatty alcohol polyglycol ether, 0.01-25%wt. of an organic solvent, 0.1-25%wt. of a detersive surfactant, and water, which is self-adhesive to ceramic surfaces, ensuring retention and effective dispersion within the appliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional lavatory treatment compositions are used, then they can be dispensed to the toilet bowl, but they fail to adhere effectively to ceramic surfaces and are washed away during flushing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion to ceramic surfaceVSAvoidcomposition washed away
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by incorporating specific adhesion promoters (polyacrylate polymers with molecular weights of 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 and carboxylic acid groups) in controlled amounts (0.1-10% by weight). This parameter change enables the composition to form strong bonds with ceramic surfaces, preventing it from being washed away during flushing while maintaining effective cleaning and fragrancing properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the composition adheres strongly to the surface, then it provides sustained cleaning benefits, but it may not disperse effectively throughout the water for continuous treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesustained cleaning benefitVSAvoiddispersion in water
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating zones of different composition characteristics: a surface-adherent phase containing the adhesion promoter that bonds to ceramic surfaces for sustained action, and a water-dispersible phase containing cleaning agents and fragrances that dissolve and distribute throughout the water. This dual-phase structure with distinct local properties enables both strong adhesion and effective dispersion simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials by combining polyacrylate polymer adhesion promoters with traditional cleaning agents (surfactants, solvents) and fragrances. The composite composition leverages the adhesive properties of the polymer phase while maintaining the cleaning and dispersing capabilities of the traditional formulation components, achieving both sustained surface treatment and continuous water-phase action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If conventional compositions are used, then they provide basic cleaning, but they fail to provide effective sanitizing and long-term maintenance between uses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesanitizing and maintenance effectivenessVSAvoideffectiveness between uses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the composition form a persistent adhesive coating on the ceramic surface that remains in place between flushing cycles. This pre-established coating continuously provides sanitizing and maintenance benefits without requiring re-application, as the adhesion promoter ensures the composition stays bonded to the surface throughout the interval between uses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 adheres to and disperses within the toilet bowl, providing sustained cleaning, fragrancing, and sanitizing benefits through its adhesion and surfactant properties, enhancing the maintenance and hygiene of lavatory appliances.

Implementation Method 1

a lavatory treatment composition which comprises (or, consists essentially of, or consists of): up to 50%wt. of an adhesion promoter constituent based on a fatty alcohol polyglycol ether

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

0.1 - 25%wt. of a detersive surfactant constituent; which provides a good cleaning and/or foaming benefit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Implementation Method 3

0.01 - 25%wt. of an organic solvent constituent, which is liquid at room temperature (20°C)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP2872185B1Lavatory treatment device
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 RECKITT BENCKISER LLC
  • EP2872185B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2872185B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6B
  • EP2872185B1 patent drawingFigure 7A~9B

AI summary

Lavatory treatment devices comprise a lavatory treatment composition which includes: up to 50%wt. of an adhesion promoter constituent based on a fatty alcohol polyglycol ether as may be represented by the following structural formula (I): within which, R is an C12-C24 aliphatic mono- or poly- alkene moiety, and n has a value of from 1 to 50; 0.01 - 25%wt. of an organic solvent constituent, which is liquid at room temperature (20°C); 0.1 - 25%wt. of a detersive surfactant constituent; optionally a co-adhesion promoter constituent, preferably based on one or more oxyalkylenated compounds; further optionally one or more further optional constituents which may impart a further aesthetic or technical benefit to the said lavatory treatment compositions; and, to 100%wt. of water. Preferably the lavatory treatment compositions of the lavatory treatment devices are ringing gels.