Liquid Detergent Composition for Aminocarboxylate Dye Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Aminocarboxylate builders in detergent formulations, such as methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid and L-glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid, cause instability in dyes, leading to uneven or mottled colors, which can be exacerbated by light transmission through transparent containers, affecting consumer perception and product trust.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating small amounts of polyalkyleneimines, specifically polyethyleneimine, into the detergent compositions to stabilize the dyes, maintaining color integrity even in aqueous formulations and transparent containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If aminocarboxylate builders are used in detergent formulations, then cleaning performance is improved, but dye stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoiddye stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mediator substance that is compatible with both aminocarboxylate builders and dyes to resolve their incompatibility. This mediator acts as a buffer or protective agent that prevents the aminocarboxylate from degrading the dye while maintaining the cleaning efficacy of the builder system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies formulation parameters such as pH control, ionic strength, or concentration ratios of components to create conditions where both aminocarboxylate builders and dyes can coexist stably. By adjusting these parameters, the harmful interaction between builder and dye is minimized while preserving cleaning performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If transparent containers are used for detergent products, then product visibility is improved, but dye degradation is accelerated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct visibilityVSAvoidlight-induced dye degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary protective measures to the dye formulation, such as adding light-stabilizing agents or encapsulating the dye in protective matrices before packaging. This preliminary protection allows the use of transparent containers while preventing light-induced degradation during storage and use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary substances such as UV absorbers, antioxidants, or encapsulating materials that act as a barrier between the dye and light. These intermediaries absorb or scatter harmful light wavelengths while allowing the container to remain transparent for product visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If aqueous formulations are used to incorporate difficult ingredients, then formulation versatility is improved, but dye stability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation versatilityVSAvoiddye stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts aqueous formulation parameters such as pH, ionic strength, and component concentrations to create a stable environment for both difficult-to-formulate ingredients and dyes. By optimizing these parameters, the patent enables versatile ingredient incorporation while maintaining dye stability in the aqueous system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite aqueous formulations that combine multiple stabilizing agents, surfactants, and builders in specific ratios. This composite approach allows difficult ingredients to be incorporated while the combined system provides enhanced stability protection for the dye against degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3149141B1Improved detergent composition
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 RECKITT BENCKISER (BRANDS) LTD
  • EP3149141B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a colour stable liquid or gel detergent composition comprising an aminocarboxylate builder, a dye and a polyalkyleneimine.