Reactive Dye Composition for Rejuvenating Faded Dark Fabrics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing textile dye compositions fail to effectively rejuvenate faded dark colors, particularly black, due to environmental and washing conditions, and often contain phosphates or require complex usage instructions, limiting market appeal and environmental safety.

Innovation Solution

A single-use textile rejuvenation composition comprising 5-30% reactive black dye, 35-90% water-soluble salt, 5-40% alkali base, and 0-10% surfactant and enzyme, free of phosphates, designed for three or fewer treatments in home or professional washing machines, with optional synergistic adjunct additives for enhanced performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional detergent formulations are used for fabric cleaning, then cleaning performance is improved, but fabric color fades and loses intensity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidfabric color fading

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cleaning agents with reactive dye compounds in a single composition, merging the functions of cleaning and color rejuvenation into one product that can be applied during the washing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The composition prepares the fabric surface through cleaning action before the reactive dye compounds bind to the fibers, ensuring optimal conditions for color rejuvenation during the same washing cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If phosphate-containing dye compositions are used for fabric color rejuvenation, then dye uptake performance is improved, but environmental safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedye uptake efficiencyVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes phosphate compounds from the dye composition formulation, eliminating the harmful substance while maintaining effective color rejuvenation performance through alternative chemistry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The composition modifies chemical parameters by using phosphate-free alternatives and adjusting pH levels through other mechanisms to achieve the same or better dye uptake without environmental harm

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If complex multi-ingredient dye compositions are used, then color rejuvenation effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor rejuvenation effectivenessVSAvoidusage convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple necessary ingredients (cleaning agents, reactive dyes, pH controllers, and stabilizers) into a single pre-formulated composition that requires no mixing or preparation by the consumer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The composition is designed as a complete, self-contained product that automatically provides all necessary functions for color rejuvenation without requiring user knowledge or manipulation of multiple components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If liquid dye formulations are used, then ease of application is improved, but measurement precision and mess control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication easeVSAvoiddye dosage accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent encapsulates the liquid dye composition in a dissolvable pouch or capsule that dissolves completely in water, providing controlled release of the exact required amount without spillage or measurement errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The composition is provided in a single-use dissolvable pouch that is discarded after one use, eliminating the need for measuring, pouring, or storing liquid dye and preventing all associated mess and measurement errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 composition efficiently rejuvenates dark colors to near-original intensity in three or fewer treatments, ensuring environmental safety and convenience, with improved color retention and consumer satisfaction.

Implementation Method 1

reactive black dye composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

from about 5.0% to about 40.0% by weight of an alkali base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH adjustment:

Implementation Method 3

from about 0% to about 10% by weight of a surfactant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Implementation Method 4

from about 0% to about 1.0% by weight of an enzyme

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic degradation: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP2260141B1Fabric color rejuvenation composition

Publication Date: 2013.05.08 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2

AI summary

Rejuvenation compositions including a reactive dye are disclosed for the one-shot rejuvenation of the color for dark-colored textile fabrics and garments formed therefrom. The rejuvenation compositions return faded black or dark colored garments to a like-new look. Methods of rejuvenating the faded color of garments by using the dye compositions are also disclosed.