Low-Alkaline Liquid Dishwasher Detergent Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic dishwashing detergents face challenges in achieving effective cleaning performance at low temperatures and low water consumption while minimizing alkalinity and phosphate content to reduce environmental impact and skin irritation.
Innovation Solution
A low-alkaline automatic dishwashing detergent composition comprising two separate liquid cleaning agents with specific ratios of builders, enzymes, bleach activators, and water, maintaining a pH below 9, which includes calcium-complexing builders like phosphates and phosphonates, and polymers with sulfonic acid groups to enhance cleaning performance without damaging glass surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the alkalinity of automatic dishwashing detergents is increased to improve cleaning performance, then cleaning performance is improved, but damage to glass surfaces and skin irritation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detergent into two separate liquid cleaning agents (A and B) with different compositions and functions. Cleaning agent A contains builders and enzymes with pH 6.5-8.5, while cleaning agent B contains oxygen bleach with pH 4.0-7.0. This segmentation allows each agent to perform its specific function at optimal pH levels without the harmful effects of high alkalinity, as the combined system achieves cleaning performance through synergistic interaction rather than high pH alone.
2Productivity
If phosphate content is increased to enhance cleaning performance, then cleaning performance is improved, but environmental impact increases due to eutrophication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using oxygen bleach (hydrogen peroxide, percarbonate, perborate) as the primary active ingredient in cleaning agent B, replacing traditional high-phosphate formulations. The phosphate content is limited to maximum 20% of total builders, and the invention achieves effective cleaning through the oxidizing action of oxygen bleach combined with low-phosphate builders, thereby reducing environmental impact while maintaining cleaning performance.
3Productivity
If bleach and bleach activators are added to achieve effective bleaching at low temperatures, then bleaching performance is improved, but stability problems and incompatibility with other ingredients occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bleach system into separate components stored in different compartments: oxygen bleach (hydrogen peroxide, percarbonate, or perborate) in cleaning agent B and bleach activators in cleaning agent A. This physical separation prevents premature chemical reactions and maintains stability during storage and transport. Upon mixing during dishwashing, the components activate to produce effective bleaching at low temperatures without the stability problems associated with pre-mixed bleach formulations.
4Productivity
If two separate liquid cleaning agents are used to improve cleaning performance, then cleaning performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separately formulated liquid cleaning agents (A and B) into a single dishwasher detergent product that can be applied in one dosing operation. The agents are designed to be compatible and synergistic when mixed, with cleaning agent A containing builders and enzymes and cleaning agent B containing oxygen bleach. This merging approach maintains the performance benefits of separate agents while simplifying the user process to a single application step.
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 detergent achieves excellent cleaning performance despite low alkalinity and reduced phosphate content, ensuring effective stain removal and gentle handling of glass surfaces, while being environmentally friendly and safe for skin.
Implementation Method 1
calcium-complexing builders like phosphates and phosphonates
Implementation Method 2
0.1 to 15% by weight of enzyme preparation(s)
Implementation Method 3
0.001 to 30% by weight bleach activator; 0.1 to 50% by weight of oxygen bleach
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to dishwasher detergents, comprising a packaging means and two liquid washing or cleaning agents A and B, which are present in said packaging means separate from each other and which have the following composition: A: - 10 to 55 wt.% builder(s); - 0.1 to 15 wt.% enzyme(s); - 0.001 to 30 wt.% bleach activator; - 20 to 70 wt.% water; and B: - 50 to 99.9 wt.% water; - 0.1 to 50 wt.% oxygen bleaching agent, - < 20 wt.% further ingredients, characterized in that the liquid cleaning agents A and B have a pH value (20ºC) of less than 9. The dishwasher detergents are characterized by good cleaning power when dishes are washed in the dishwasher.