Particulate Laundry Softener Additive for Stable Combined Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers find it inconvenient to dose separate laundry detergent and softening compositions due to incompatibility issues, leading to stability problems and decreased cleaning performance when combined, and the need for a solid form that can be dispensed together with detergent during the washing step.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising particles with a water-soluble carrier, quaternary ammonium compound, and cationic polymer, designed to be dosed separately from detergent, which dissolves in the wash liquor to provide softening benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid detergent composition and liquid softening composition are combined in a single package, then convenience of dosing is improved, but stability of the combination deteriorates due to formation of solid precipitate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the softening composition into solid particles rather than liquid form, allowing separate packaging from detergent while enabling combined dosing. The solid particles contain the softening agents in a stable, non-precipitating form that can be mixed with liquid detergent without forming solids.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the softening composition from liquid to solid particle form. This parameter change eliminates the compatibility issue between anionic and cationic surfactants while maintaining the softening function, allowing stable combination with detergent.
2Stability of the object's composition
If separate dosing of detergent and softening composition is used, then stability of the combination is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the dosing locations by designing solid particles that can be added to the same compartment as detergent. The particles are formulated to dissolve or disperse in the wash liquor, effectively combining the softening action with the detergent dosing location while maintaining chemical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid particles act as an intermediary form that bridges the gap between stable separate packaging and convenient combined dosing. They provide a stable carrier form that can be mixed with detergent without reacting, enabling single-compartment dosing while maintaining composition stability.
3Reliability
If liquid softening composition is used, then softening effect is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to messiness and texture issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state from liquid to solid particles, eliminating the messiness and texture issues associated with liquid softeners. The solid particles are designed to dissolve or disperse in water, providing the same softening effect without the drawbacks of liquid formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid particles function as a disposable, single-use softening agent that dissolves during the wash cycle, eliminating the need for repeated handling of liquid softeners. The particles are designed to be consumed during the wash and discarded with the wash water, avoiding messiness.
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 convenient dosing and customization of softening composition, reduces messiness, and maintains cleaning performance by avoiding incompatibility issues between anionic and cationic surfactants.
Implementation Method 1
Softening compositions typically comprise cationic surfactants to soften the clothing
Implementation Method 2
about 25% to about 94% by weight a water soluble carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A composition including a plurality of particles, the particles including: about 25% to about 94% by weight a water soluble carrier; about 5% to about 45% by weight a quaternary ammonium compound; and about 0.5% to about 10% by weight a cationic polymer; wherein the plurality of particles comprises individual particles; wherein each of the individual particles has a mass from about 1 mg to about 1 g; wherein each of the individual particles has a density less than about 0.98 g/cm3.