Solid Active Matrix for Multi-Cycle Washing Release Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic washing products, such as dishwashing and laundry detergents, often lack a clear visual indication of when they need refilling and provide limited actives over multiple cycles, leading to consumer inconvenience and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A solid composition comprising a matrix with specific components like stearamide, poly(vinyl alcohol), and polyethylene glycol, along with controlled perforations in a cage, allows for a controlled release of actives over multiple cycles and provides a clear end-of-life indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional liquid rinse aids are used in bottled formats, then consumers can refill the dispenser periodically, but it becomes difficult for consumers to know when the rinse aid reservoir needs to be replenished
Solution Approach 1:
The solid composition changes color or becomes visually detectable when depleted, providing a clear end-of-life indication to consumers. The composition may transition from opaque to transparent or change hue as actives are consumed, enabling easy visual monitoring without requiring consumer intervention or complex indicators.
2Quantity of substance
If single-dose products are used for automatic washing, then each product provides a specific active, but consumers must dose each time which is inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The solid composition is designed to release actives continuously over multiple washing cycles rather than requiring replacement after each cycle. The controlled release mechanism ensures steady active delivery throughout the product's lifespan, eliminating the need for frequent consumer intervention while maintaining effective concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The product is segmented into a solid matrix containing multiple actives that release at different rates or at different stages of the washing cycle. This segmentation allows a single product to provide diverse functions (cleaning, rinsing, fabric care) across multiple cycles without requiring multiple separate products.
3Speed
If actives are released quickly in washing products, then immediate cleaning effect is achieved, but the product cannot provide benefit over multiple cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The solid composition employs a dynamic release mechanism where the active release rate adapts to washing conditions. During intense washing phases, actives release faster to provide immediate cleaning, while during milder phases or between cycles, release slows to extend product life. The matrix structure allows this dynamic adjustment based on water flow, temperature, and mechanical agitation.
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 effectively delivers consumer benefits over multiple washing cycles with a visible indication of depletion, enhancing user convenience and performance.
Implementation Method 1
stearamide having a melting point higher than 85 °C, or poly(vinyl alcohol) having a melting point higher than 150°C; and between 10 wt.％ and 50 wt.％ of polyethylene glycol having a melting point between 40°C and 70°C
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a solid composition comprising a matrix and one or more actives, said matrix comprising steramide or poly(vinyl alcohol) having a melting point higher than 150°C. It also relates to a cage and to a product comprising said solid composition and said cage, wherein said solid composition is contained in said cage. It further relates to a product comprising said solid composition and a porous solid support, wherein said solid composition is attached to said porous solid support. It further relates to a method for the controlled release of one or more actives in an automatic washing operation by providing said solid composition or any of the products to the machine in which said automatic washing operation is performed.