Laundry Scent Booster Beads with Eutectic Solubility Agents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry scent boosters lack flexibility in fragrance duration and intensity, and there is a need for customizable scent options that complement both the type and temperature of wash cycles, as well as aesthetic appeal through color.

Innovation Solution

A scent booster composition comprising a dispersant, solubility agents, fragrance, and optional dyes, formulated to be adaptable to various wash temperatures and customizable in fragrance release, with manufacturing methods that allow for the creation of solid beads that dissolve or melt to release fragrance, enhancing the scent of laundry while providing visual appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional scent boosters are used, then fragrance is released during washing, but the fragrance duration and intensity cannot be customized to match different wash temperatures and consumer preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different wash temperaturesVSAvoidfragrance duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by formulating the scent booster with a eutectic mixture of solubility agents (PEG, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium acetate trihydrate) that undergo phase transition at a specific melting point. This allows the fragrance release characteristics to change based on wash temperature parameters, enabling customization of fragrance duration and intensity to match different wash conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements dynamics by creating a system where the fragrance release rate is not fixed but dynamically adjusts according to the wash temperature. The eutectic mixture's phase transition behavior enables the scent booster to adapt its fragrance release characteristics in real-time based on the thermal conditions of the washing cycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If more fragrance is added to increase scent intensity, then the fragrance becomes stronger, but the scent may become overwhelming or inappropriate for certain wash types and temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance concentrationVSAvoidcustomizability for different preferences
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by incorporating a eutectic mixture that undergoes phase transition at a controlled melting point. This allows the fragrance concentration and release rate to be dynamically adjusted based on wash temperature, enabling strong fragrance release at higher temperatures while providing more subtle release at lower temperatures, thus achieving versatility without overwhelming scents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the scent booster dissolves quickly to release fragrance, then the fragrance is released immediately, but the scent duration is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedissolution speedVSAvoidscent duration
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies phase transitions by utilizing the eutectic mixture's melting behavior. The fragrance is encapsulated in a matrix that transitions from solid to liquid at a specific melting point during the wash cycle. This controlled phase transition enables the fragrance to be released gradually over time rather than all at once, extending scent duration while maintaining adequate dissolution speed for effective fragrance delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 solution provides a customizable and long-lasting fragrance enhancement for laundry, adaptable to different wash temperatures and preferences, while also offering a visually appealing product through controlled release mechanisms and color options, effectively addressing consumer preferences for scent and appearance.

Implementation Method 1

the mixture forming a eutectic having a melting point lower than the melting points of the individual solubility agents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

solid at room temperature and dissolve in a washing machine to release fragrance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

The scent booster composition may at its essence comprise a dispersant and a fragrance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Data Source

PatentUS12084634B1Scent booster for laundry comprising peg, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium acetate trihydrate
Publication Date: 2024.09.10 TUFCO LP

AI summary

A composition for use in scent booster beads comprises a dispersant, a first solubility agent, a fragrance, and a second solubility agent, all of these ingredients being present in varied amounts by weight of the composition.