Liquid Laundry Detergent with Solubilized Cationic Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry detergents often leave garments feeling harsh after washing, despite providing effective soil removal, and existing softening technologies, such as 2-in-1 detergent softeners, have limitations in achieving softening benefits while maintaining cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
A liquid laundry composition comprising a solubilized cationic polymer with a weight average molecular weight of less than 850,000 daltons, a solubilized fatty acid soap blend with 12-hydroxystearic acid, and a surfactant with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) greater than 4, which is added to the wash cycle to provide improved softening without compromising cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional laundry detergents are used for effective soil removal, then cleaning performance is improved, but garments feel harsh after washing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cleaning agents and fabric softening agents into a single laundry detergent composition. The cationic polymer serves dual functions as both a cleaning agent and a fabric softening agent, eliminating the need for separate softening treatments and resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and garment softness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite formulation containing cationic polymers with specific molecular weights (less than 850,000 daltons) combined with surfactants and other detergent components. This composite material approach allows the single product to deliver both cleaning and softening benefits simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If 2-in-1 detergent softeners are used to provide softening benefits, then ease of operation is improved, but cleaning performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the cationic polymer molecular weight (less than 850,000 daltons) and formulation composition to ensure both softening and cleaning effectiveness. By optimizing these parameters, the invention achieves a balance where the convenient 2-in-1 formulation does not sacrifice cleaning 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 effectively softens laundry without reducing cleaning efficacy, providing a silky or fluffy texture to garments and minimizing environmental impact by limiting phosphate content.
Implementation Method 1
a solubilized cationic polymer having a weight average molecular weight of less than about 850,000 daltons
Implementation Method 2
at least about 5% of surfactant with HLB more than about 4
Implementation Method 3
a solubilized fatty acid soap blend comprising from about 5% to about 60%, by weight of the soap blend, of 12-hydroxystearic acid salt
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to liquid laundry compositions which deliver both effective softening and effective cleaning containing a solubilised cationic polymer and a solubilised soap blend which incorporates a saturated hydroxyl carboxylic acid. A method of cleaning and conditioning articles using the inventive compositions is also disclosed.