Multi-Compartment Detergent Container for Incompatible Formulations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machine containers are limited to single compartments, making it difficult to incorporate incompatible ingredients and are not adaptable to dishwashers without conventional cutlery baskets, which are increasingly being replaced by cutlery trays.

Innovation Solution

A container with multiple water-soluble compartments, each containing different detergent formulations, arranged in a non-superposed relationship within a single, deformable film structure, allowing for secure placement and controlled release of actives during the washing cycle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single compartment container is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to incorporate incompatible ingredients is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer structureVSAvoidability to incorporate incompatible ingredients

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into multiple compartments (at least three) that are water-soluble and dissolve during the washing cycle. Each compartment can hold different detergent formulations or incompatible ingredients separately, allowing them to be released at different times or locations during the washing process, thus resolving the contradiction between simple structure and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple compartments are added to accommodate incompatible ingredients, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to hold multiple formulationsVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple compartments containing different detergent formulations are merged into a single container structure that dissolves water-solubly. This combines the functionality of multiple separate containers into one, maintaining adaptability while reducing the number of separate components the consumer must handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compartments are arranged in a nested or interleaved configuration where internal films form partitions within the container. This nesting approach allows multiple compartments to occupy space efficiently within a single container envelope, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the ability to hold multiple formulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of stationary object

If compartments are arranged in a superposed relationship, then the container volume is reduced, but the placement flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer sizeVSAvoidplacement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The compartments are arranged in a non-superposed relationship, extending in multiple dimensions rather than stacking vertically. This dimensional arrangement allows the container to adapt to various placement configurations in the dishwasher, including horizontal and angled orientations, while maintaining a compact overall size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If a conventional cutlery basket is used for container placement, then the container retention is secure, but the adaptability to modern dishwashers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer retentionVSAvoidcompatibility with varying basket configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container is designed with a universal placement capability that works with both conventional cutlery baskets and modern cutlery trays. The non-superposed compartment arrangement and overall container geometry allow it to be securely retained in various dishwasher configurations, making it adaptable to evolving dishwasher designs while maintaining reliable placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the use of multiple incompatible detergent formulations in a single container, providing flexibility in placement and reducing the risk of exposure to active ingredients, while ensuring secure operation within dishwashers with varying basket configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a container having at least three compartments in its interior for holding the contents of the container and each made of water-soluble film

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater solubility: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

dispersion commonly triggered by heat causing melting of the closure material, typically a paraffin wax

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP2670832B2Container for use in a washing process

Publication Date: 2021.06.02 RECKITT BENCKISER FINISH BV

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

A container having a plurality of compartments wherein at least one compartment comprises a solid detergent composition and at least one compartment comprises a detergent composi- tion which is in the form of a liquid or a gel and wherein adjacent compartments are arranged in a non-superposed or non-superposable relationship.