Separable Water-Soluble Film for Adjustable Cleaning Agent Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single dose packets for cleaning applications lack flexibility, as they do not allow consumers to adjust the amount of cleaning agent according to the size of the load, often resulting in excessive or wasteful use, especially when washing small loads.
Innovation Solution
The development of an agent dose delivery system featuring a water-soluble film with separable compartments, allowing consumers to manually split a single packet into equivalent portions using a perforated tear line, enabling adjustment of the cleaning agent amount based on load size without compromising the integrity of the compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single dose packet is used for cleaning applications, then the ease of operation is improved by providing a premeasured dose that avoids measuring errors and mess, but the adaptability deteriorates because the consumer cannot adjust the amount of agent according to load size
Solution Approach 1:
The single dose packet is divided into multiple separable compartments, each containing a predetermined amount of cleaning agent. The packet includes a separation zone with perforations that allow consumers to easily divide the packet into portions. This segmentation enables users to adjust the number of compartments used based on load size, providing flexibility while maintaining the ease of premeasured dosing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the single dose packet is made separable into multiple compartments, then the adaptability is improved by allowing adjustment of agent amount, but the device complexity increases due to multiple compartments and separation zones
Solution Approach 1:
The packet is segmented into multiple compartments separated by a separation zone with perforations. This segmentation provides flexibility for portion control while using a simple structural design that relies on basic perforated lines rather than complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The packet utilizes a flexible foil structure that can be easily torn along the perforated separation zone. This thin film approach allows for simple manual separation without requiring complex tools or mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the packet structure includes multiple compartments and separation zones, then the flexibility is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process creates segmented compartments by forming perforated separation zones within the foil structure. This approach allows multiple compartments to be created in a single manufacturing run, and the perforations can be easily torn during use, balancing manufacturing efficiency with post-manufacturing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process utilizes parameter changes in the foil material, creating zones with different physical properties (perforated vs. intact). This allows the packet to be manufactured as a single unit with built-in separation capabilities, simplifying the manufacturing process while enabling flexible portioning.
4Ease of operation
If the separation zone is designed with perforations for easy manual separation, then the ease of operation is improved by allowing consumers to divide the packet, but the reliability deteriorates because there is a risk of compromising compartment integrity during separation
Solution Approach 1:
The packet uses a flexible foil structure with carefully designed perforated separation zones. The perforations are positioned and sized to guide tearing along the intended separation line while the surrounding intact foil maintains compartment integrity during the separation process, preventing accidental rupture of adjacent compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation zone is pre-prepared with perforations during manufacturing, creating a guided tear path. This preliminary action ensures that when consumers separate the packet, the tear follows the predetermined line, reducing the risk of compromising compartment integrity while maintaining ease of separation.
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
This solution provides consumers with the flexibility to adjust the cleaning agent amount according to the load size, minimizing waste and ensuring optimal use of the agent, while maintaining ease of handling and minimizing the risk of spills.
Implementation Method 1
a first water-soluble film; a second film adhered to the first film
Data Source
AI summary
An agent dose delivery system including: a first water-soluble film; a second film adhered to the first film; a first compartment and second compartment formed by the first film and the second film; a first agent composition in the first compartment; a second agent composition in the second compartment; and a perforated tear line between the two compartments allowing separation of the two compartments by hand without opening either compartment.