Spouted Detergent Package for Controlled Soap Powder Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spouted flexible packages struggle with easy and controlled dispensing of particulate laundry detergent products, particularly soap powder, due to its limited flowability, leading to issues like blocked spouts and inconsistent flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A flexible package with a rigid spout and specific dimensions, combined with detergent granules of defined FloDex Value, Median Weight Particle Size, and bulk density, ensures steady and continuous flow of soap powder at a controlled rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spouted flexible packages are used for easy dispensing, then dispensing convenience is improved, but particulate laundry detergent products with limited flowability (e.g., soap powder) may block the spout opening
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the detergent granules by controlling their size distribution (median weight particle size Dv50 from 250 μm to 1000 μm), bulk density (from 0.3 g/cm³ to 0.7 g/cm³), and shape characteristics (sphericity from 0.6 to 1.0). These parameter changes improve flowability while maintaining the desired fatty acid content, enabling reliable dispensing through spouted packages without blockages.
2Reliability
If high levels of fatty acids or salts are included in soap powder, then detergency properties are improved, but flowability is limited and spout blockage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention simultaneously optimizes multiple parameters: maintains high fatty acid content (5%-40%) for good detergency while controlling granule size (Dv50: 250-1000 μm), bulk density (0.3-0.7 g/cm³), and sphericity (0.6-1.0). This multi-parameter optimization enables the product to achieve both excellent cleaning performance and adequate flowability through the spout.
3Ease of operation
If opening is torn or cut for dispensing, then easy access is achieved, but control over amount and speed of dispensing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the package into distinct functional parts: a flexible bag for containment and a rigid spout for controlled dispensing. The spout acts as a flow control element that regulates the amount and speed of product dispensing, while the flexible bag can be easily opened. This segmentation allows both easy access and controlled dispensing to coexist.
4Ease of operation
If clips or rubber bands are used to close the opening, then closure is achieved, but leakage prevention and moisture barrier are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid spout serves as an intermediary structure that provides a reliable closure system. Instead of using clips or rubber bands on a torn opening, the spout itself can be capped or sealed, creating an effective barrier against leakage and moisture. This intermediary structure transforms the closure mechanism from a simple clip system to a more reliable sealed system.
Data Source
AI summary
A packaged laundry detergent product including a particulate laundry detergent composition in a flexible package. Such particulate laundry detergent composition includes a plurality of detergent granules that are characterized by a FloDex Value ranging from 10 mm to 20 mm, and each of the detergent granules includes from 5% to 40% of fatty acids and/or salts thereof. The flexible package includes a rigid spout that is characterized by a diameter ranging from 20 mm to 30 mm.