Compositions in the form of dissolvable solid structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dissolvable solid structures for personal care and fabric care products face challenges in manufacturing cost, rate, and variability, while also needing improved dissolving properties for enhanced consumer satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A porous solid dissolvable structure comprising a plurality of fibers with a specific composition of surfactant and vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymers, offering a hand dissolution value of 3 to 20 strokes and improved porosity, flexibility, and manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid form products are used, then consumer convenience is improved, but packaging waste and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous solid structures that rapidly absorb water and dissolve to release liquid consumer products. The porous architecture enables the solid form to efficiently deliver liquid functionality while eliminating traditional liquid packaging requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the physical state parameter from liquid to solid form while maintaining functional equivalence through controlled dissolution. This parameter change enables packaging-free delivery of liquid products.
2Loss of substance
If dissolvable solid products are used, then packaging waste is reduced, but manufacturing cost and variability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite material systems comprising polymeric structurants combined with surfactants and other consumer product ingredients. These composite formulations enable controlled dissolution while simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes manufacturing parameters including polymer molecular weight, copolymer composition, and processing conditions to achieve consistent dissolution performance while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Productivity
If dissolvable solid structures are used, then packaging efficiency is improved, but dissolving properties need enhancement for consumer satisfaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous solid structures that rapidly absorb water and dissolve to release liquid consumer products. The porous architecture enables the solid form to efficiently deliver liquid functionality while eliminating traditional liquid packaging requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the physical state parameter from liquid to solid form while maintaining functional equivalence through controlled dissolution. This parameter change enables packaging-free delivery of liquid products.
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 structure achieves effective dissolution and improved consumer satisfaction with enhanced manufacturing efficiency and reduced water usage, leading to faster production rates and lower energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A Structure in the form of a porous solid dissolvable in water
Implementation Method 2
a copolymer comprising vinyl acetate and vinyl alcohol units
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Described are dissolvable, porous solid structures formed using certain vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymers. The copolymer and the porosity of the structure allow for liquid flow during use such that the structure readily dissolves to provide a desired consumer experience. Also described are processes for making open cell foam and fibrous dissolvable solid structures.