Starch-Based Moldable Soap Composition for Children

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing starch-based moldable soap compositions are prone to becoming hard or brittle when wet, fail to retain moldability, and may contain harsh chemicals that irritate children's skin, lacking in safety and non-irritation properties.

Innovation Solution

A starch-based moldable soap composition comprising corn starch, mineral oil, propylene glycol, glyceryl stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium sorbate, phenoxyethanol, water, fragrance, and pigment dye, which maintains moisture, softness, and structural integrity even when wet, preventing retrogradation and stickiness, while being non-toxic and gentle on skin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If starch-based soap composition is made moldable and soft, then it becomes easy to mold and play with, but it becomes hard or brittle when wet and loses moldability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemoldabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity when wet

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite formulation combining starch with multiple additives including propylene glycol, mineral oil, glyceryl stearate, and sodium laureth sulfate. This composite approach allows the soap to maintain moldability through propylene glycol while structural integrity is preserved through the synergistic combination of oils and surfactants that prevent excessive hardening when wet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the soap composition by controlling the ratio of starch to liquid components (propylene glycol, water, oils) and adjusting the molecular structure through selected additives. This parameter optimization ensures the soap remains soft and moldable while resisting brittleness upon water exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If starch-based soap composition is made moldable, then it can be shaped and played with, but it leaves powdery residue in hands

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemoldabilityVSAvoidpowdery residue

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inclusion of mineral oil, propylene glycol, and surfactants in the composite formulation binds starch particles together, creating a cohesive matrix that prevents powder formation. These additional components ensure the soap maintains a unified structure during handling and washing, eliminating the powdery residue problem associated with pure starch formulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If prior art moldable soap compositions are used, then children can play with them, but they may contain harsh chemicals that irritate children's skin

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveplayabilityVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully selects and controls the concentration of chemical components, using mild surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate and gentle preservatives such as potassium sorbate and phenoxyethanol at low concentrations. This parameter control ensures the soap remains effective for play while minimizing skin irritation risks for children.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The soap is formulated as a temporary play item that gradually dissolves during use, reducing the need for harsh chemicals that would require extensive safety testing. The short-lived nature of the play soap allows for safer, milder formulations compared to permanent toys.

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 remains moist and soft, allowing clean cutting and shaping, is reusable, and does not leave a powdery residue, ensuring safety and enjoyment for children while maintaining effective cleansing properties.

Implementation Method 1

The composition remains moist, and is easily moldable while retaining its structural integrity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHumectant effect:

Implementation Method 2

the prior art moldable soap compositions are problematic because they are prone to being hard or brittle and do not retain their moldability after they are wet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRetrogradation:

Data Source

PatentUS9932544B1Play moldable soap composition

Publication Date: 2018.04.03 SAFDIEH ABRAHAM E

AI summary

The present invention provides a starch-based moldable play composition, including: corn starch; mineral oil; propylene glycol; glyceryl stearate; sodium laureth sulfate; sodium chloride; potassium sorbate; phenoxyethanol; water; fragrance; and pigment dye, selected from the group consisting of yellow 3, yellow 4, red 14, red 17, blue 1, blue 2, and titanium dioxide.