Liquid Detergent Composition for Suds-Compatible Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing laundry detergent market is divided into separate formulations for top-loading and front-loading washing machines due to sudsing differences, leading to consumer confusion and decreased cleaning efficacy in HE formulations.
Innovation Solution
Aqueous liquid detergent compositions containing a surfactant system with a specific ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant, combined with an anti-foam and structurant, providing suds compatibility and improved cleaning for both machine types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If higher sudsing surfactant compositions are used in top-loading machines, then cleaning performance is improved, but suds control becomes problematic in front-loading machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sudsing level adjustable through a rheology modifier that responds to washing machine conditions. The composition can adapt its sudsing behavior dynamically - producing higher suds in top-loading machines for better cleaning while controlling suds in front-loading machines to prevent leakage, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning performance and machine compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the surfactant system by introducing a rheology modifier that alters the flow and sudsing characteristics. This parameter change allows the same composition to function appropriately in both machine types by adjusting its sudsing properties based on the washing conditions, thereby improving both cleaning performance and machine compatibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If suds control agents are increased in HE formulations, then suds compatibility in front-loading machines is improved, but cleaning capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rheology modifier as an intermediary substance that mediates between the surfactant system and the washing machine environment. This intermediary controls sudsing behavior without directly interfering with the cleaning action of the surfactants, thus improving suds compatibility while preserving cleaning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The rheology modifier changes the physical parameters of the detergent composition, specifically its flow behavior and sudsing characteristics. This parameter change enables the formulation to achieve appropriate suds control in front-loading machines while maintaining effective cleaning performance, resolving the contradiction between suds compatibility and cleaning capability
3Reliability
If separate detergent formulations are developed for different machine types, then machine-specific performance is improved, but product complexity and consumer confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by formulating a single detergent composition that can effectively perform in both top-loading and front-loading washing machines. The rheology modifier enables the composition to adapt its properties to suit different machine types, eliminating the need for separate formulations and reducing both formulation complexity and consumer confusion while maintaining machine-specific performance
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 achieves appropriate sudsing levels and enhanced cleaning performance in both top-loading and front-loading machines, addressing consumer needs and formulation challenges.
Implementation Method 1
an anti-foam and structurant, providing suds compatibility and improved cleaning for both machine types
Implementation Method 2
The surfactant system comprises linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and between 1% and 30% by weight of alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous liquid detergent composition is disclosed. The aqueous liquid detergent composition having suds compatibility and improved cleaning. The composition has from about 1% to about 60%, by weight of the composition, from about 0.001% to about 4.0%, by weight of the composition, of an anti-foam selected from organomodified silicone polymers with aryl or alkylaryl substituents combined with silicone resin and a primary filler, which is modified silica, and from about 0.01% to about 2.5%, by weight of the composition, of a structurant, wherein the structurant is selected from: crystalline, hydroxyl-containing stabilizers, polymer gums, and mixtures thereof. The surfactant system includes linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and between 1% and 30% by weight of alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant. The ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant is between 1.1:1 to 10:1.