Multi-Layer Laundry Sheet for Surfactant Delivery and Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry sheets suffer from poor cleaning performance due to low surfactant concentration and dissolution issues, leading to inadequate cleaning efficacy compared to single dose laundry detergent packets.
Innovation Solution
A water-soluble laundry detergent product with a solid layer containing a gel and a solidifying agent, such as polyethylene glycol, is applied to non-fibrous sheets to enhance surfactant delivery and adhesion, ensuring high surfactant concentration and appropriate dissolution during wash cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the laundry sheet is made thin and aerated to improve dissolution, then the dissolution rate is improved, but the surfactant concentration delivered during the wash cycle decreases leading to poor cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the detergent system into multiple functional layers: a water-soluble sheet layer for rapid dissolution and a separate solid surfactant layer for concentrated surfactant delivery. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromise - the sheet provides fast dissolution while the solid layer ensures high surfactant concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-layer two-dimensional sheet to a multi-layer three-dimensional structure with distinct functional zones. The solid surfactant layer is applied as a coating or夹层 between sheets, adding a new dimension of surfactant concentration that coexists with the thin aerated sheet structure for rapid dissolution.
2Quantity of substance
If a solid surfactant composition is applied to the laundry sheet to increase surfactant concentration, then the cleaning performance is improved, but the sheet may undergo plasticization or dissolution upon contact with the solid layer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a compatible polymer matrix as an intermediary between the solid surfactant and the water-soluble sheet. This polymer layer acts as a buffer that prevents direct harmful interactions while allowing the solid surfactant to be delivered effectively, thus protecting the sheet's structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention carefully controls the physical and chemical parameters of the solid surfactant composition, including its melting point, hardness, and chemical compatibility, to ensure it does not cause plasticization or premature dissolution of the sheet while still achieving high surfactant concentration delivery.
3Strength
If the solid layer is made to bind the laundry sheets together, then the adhesion between sheets is improved, but the dissolution rate may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The solid layer's binding function is dynamic - it provides strong adhesion between sheets during storage and handling, but automatically transitions to rapid dissolution when exposed to water during the wash cycle. The material composition and structure are designed to exhibit different properties under different conditions.
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 solution delivers effective cleaning performance comparable to single dose laundry detergent packets by maximizing surfactant concentration and maintaining adhesion, while ensuring appropriate dissolution rates.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one solid layer comprises a gel and a solidifying agent
Implementation Method 2
the solidifying agent is solid at room temperature, has a melting point of about 50° C. or higher
Implementation Method 3
the gel comprises one or more surfactants
Implementation Method 4
the solidifying agent is water soluble
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides water soluble laundry detergent products comprising one or more non-fibrous sheets and at least one solid layer, wherein the at least one solid layer comprises a gel and a solidifying agent and is coated on one or more sides of the one or more non-fibrous sheets, is disposed between two or more of the non-fibrous sheets, or a combination thereof; and methods of their making and using.