Linear Polyether Fabric Treatment for Faster Drying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fabric drying methods require extended times, consuming more energy and resources, and existing fabric treatments do not effectively reduce drying time.

Innovation Solution

A method involving multiple launderings with a composition containing 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 to reduce drying time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional drying methods are used, then fabric drying is achieved, but drying time is extended and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying timeVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the fabric surface by applying a polymeric material containing hydrophilic groups (such as poly(oxyalkylene) groups with amino end groups). This modifies the fabric's surface properties to enhance water absorption and evaporation characteristics, thereby reducing drying time and energy consumption without altering the fundamental drying process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If fabric is laundered multiple times with the composition, then the polyether is deposited on the fabric to reduce drying time, but the laundering process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying timeVSAvoidlaundering process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies the polymeric treatment composition during the laundering process itself, specifically during the rinse cycle or as a final rinse. This preliminary action during washing ensures the polymeric material is deposited on the fabric before the drying step, so the drying time reduction effect is already in place without requiring separate treatment steps afterward

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment composition is designed to be integrated into existing laundering processes, serving multiple functions: it acts as a fabric treatment that reduces drying time while being compatible with standard washing and rinsing procedures. The same laundering process that cleans the fabric also deposits the drying-reducing polymeric material

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

The method significantly reduces fabric drying time by at least 5, 10, or 20% compared to conventional drying methods, making the process more energy-efficient.

Implementation Method 1

a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000 that is terminated with -N-(-CH 2 -CH(OH)-CH 2 -Cl) 2 , wherein the linear polyether is deposited on the fabric

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP2751247B1Method for providing fast dry to fabric
Publication Date: 2016.04.20 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO
  • EP2751247B1 patent drawing
  • EP2751247B1 patent drawing
  • EP2751247B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for reducing time needed for drying fabric comprising laundering the fabric at least 3 times 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 time needed for drying.