Linear Polyether Fabric Treatment for Easier Ironing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ironing fabrics requires significant force, making it a tedious task, and existing fabric care compositions do not effectively reduce this force, even after multiple washings.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a linear polyether with a weight average molecular weight less than 5000, terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-Cl)2, which is deposited on the fabric during laundering to reduce the force needed for ironing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional fabric care compositions are used during laundering, then fabric is cleaned and maintained, but the force needed for ironing remains high and ironing remains tedious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of ironingVSAvoidforce needed for ironing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the molecular weight of the polyether component (using linear polyether with weight average molecular weight less than 5000) and its chemical structure (terminated with specific amino groups). This chemical parameter change enables the polyether to deposit on fabric and reduce ironing force by up to 20%, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of ironing and force required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If existing polymeric fabric treatments are applied, then fabric surface color definition is improved after multiple washings, but the force needed for ironing is not reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of ironingVSAvoidamount of polyether deposited

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by ensuring the linear polyether deposits specifically on the fabric surface where it is needed for ironing assistance. The amino-terminated polyether has affinity for fabric and localizes on the textile surface, providing ironing force reduction exactly where the iron contacts the fabric, without requiring excessive amounts of the substance throughout the entire fabric volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If fabric is laundered multiple times with existing compositions, then fabric durability is maintained, but the ironing force reduction effect is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of ironingVSAvoidduration of ironing force reduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the linear amino-terminated polyether deposit on the fabric during the laundering process itself. This preliminary deposition during washing ensures that when ironing occurs afterward, the force-reducing substance is already in place on the fabric surface, making the ironing process easier from the start without requiring repeated treatments over multiple wash cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2751246B1Method for ease of ironing

Publication Date: 2015.10.14 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO

AI summary

A method for reducing force needed for ironing a fabric comprising laundering the fabric with a composition comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000 that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-Cl)2, wherein the linear polyether is deposited on the fabric and reduces the force needed for ironing.