Particulate Laundry Additive With Antioxidant for Fabric Malodor Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particulate laundry scent additives fail to effectively eliminate malodor from laundered garments, particularly those made of synthetic fibers, as malodorous materials can accumulate and persist despite frequent washing.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising 25% to 99% water soluble carrier and 0.01% to 2% antioxidant, dispersed in a matrix, is used to form particles that provide malodor reduction benefits through a wash process, with the antioxidant being a mono- or bis-ester of 3-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-5-methyl benzenepropanoic acid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If liquid fabric softeners are used, then fabric softening is achieved, but they do not adhere well to fabrics and require large amounts to be effective
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter from liquid to encapsulated particulate form. This transformation allows the fabric softener to be delivered in a controlled manner that improves adherence to fabric while reducing the total quantity required, as the encapsulated form prevents premature degradation and ensures targeted release during the wash cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure consisting of an encapsulation shell and an encapsulated material. This composite design protects the fabric softener core from degradation, improves adherence to fabric surfaces, and enables controlled release, thereby solving both the quantity and reliability issues simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If liquid fabric softeners are used, then fabric softening is achieved, but they have unpleasant odours and can cause skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially harmful liquid fabric softener into a protected encapsulated form. The encapsulation shell acts as a barrier that prevents direct contact with skin (reducing irritation) and contains the aromatic compounds (controlling odour), while still allowing the beneficial softening effect to occur when released during the wash cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the physical state from liquid to encapsulated particulate, the invention modifies how the fabric softener interacts with skin and air. The encapsulated form reduces volatility (controlling odour) and prevents direct skin contact (reducing irritation), while maintaining the softening function through controlled release during washing.
3Ease of operation
If conventional liquid fabric softeners are used, then fabric softening is achieved, but they separate into layers and require shaking before use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state from liquid to encapsulated particulate form, which fundamentally improves stability. The solid encapsulated particles do not separate into layers like liquids do, eliminating the need for shaking before use while maintaining product homogeneity throughout the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulated structure creates a stable composite material where the shell and core are held together by physical bonding. This composite form prevents the separation issues inherent in liquid formulations, providing a stable, shake-free product that maintains consistent composition.
4Adaptability or versatility
If liquid fabric softeners are used, then fabric softening is achieved, but they are not compatible with all washing machines and washing methods
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from liquid to encapsulated particulate form, the invention creates a delivery system that is compatible with various washing machine types and methods. The encapsulated particles can be effectively delivered through different dosing mechanisms and withstand various wash conditions, improving versatility while reducing the quantity needed for effective performance.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A composition including a plurality of particles. The plurality of particles include: about 25% to about 99% by weight water soluble carrier; and about 0.01% to 50% by weight antioxidant. The antioxidant is dispersed in a matrix of the water soluble carrier.