Terpolymer Drying Aid for Automatic Dishwashing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automatic dishwashing compositions that provide effective drying without the need for a separate rinse aid, while preventing filter residues and ensuring good cleaning and shine on glass, metal, and plastic items, and reducing energy and time consumption.

Innovation Solution

A combination of a non-ionic surfactant and a terpolymer comprising monomers of (meth)acrylic acid, linear or branched C1-C20 alkyl (meth)acrylate, and vinylpyrrolidone, which is used in an automatic dishwashing composition to enhance drying and prevent filming and spotting, thereby providing excellent cleaning and shine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If compositions are used to provide drying through the wash, then drying performance is improved, but filter residues are formed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying performanceVSAvoidfilter residues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the drying aid by specifying a terpolymer with particular monomer ratios (20-80% acrylic acid, 10-50% alkyl acrylate, 5-30% vinyl pyrrolidone) and molecular weight (10,000-100,000 g/mol). This parameter optimization allows the polymer to provide effective drying while maintaining solubility and preventing filter residue formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite polymer structure combining three different monomers (acrylic acid, alkyl acrylate, and vinyl pyrrolidone) to achieve multiple functions simultaneously: drying aid capability from the acrylic acid groups, solubility and film prevention from the vinyl pyrrolidone, and reduced residue formation from the balanced composition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If rinse aid is used to help drying, then drying performance is improved, but product complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying performanceVSAvoidproduct complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the drying aid function into the main wash composition by incorporating the terpolymer drying aid alongside cleaning agents, enzymes, and surfactants. This consolidation eliminates the need for a separate rinse aid product, simplifying the dishwashing process while maintaining effective drying performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terpolymer composition serves multiple functions: it acts as a drying aid, a builder, and a film preventer, all in one product. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require separate rinse aid and cleaning products, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If traditional drying methods are used, then energy consumption is high, but drying time is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddrying time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terpolymer is applied during the main wash cycle to prepare the dish surface for drying. By pre-treating the surfaces with the polymer during washing, the actual drying process requires less energy and time, as the polymer creates conditions favorable for rapid evaporation and water release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical/thermal drying systems (heaters, high-energy airflow) with a chemical approach using the terpolymer. The polymer's molecular structure and surface-active properties facilitate water removal through chemical mechanisms rather than requiring high energy input, thereby reducing both energy consumption and drying time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 dries dishes, including plastics, without additional rinse aid, reduces filming and spotting, and prevents filter residues, while maintaining good cleaning and shine, and reduces energy and time consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a terpolymer capable of providing drying through the wash

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface modification:

Implementation Method 2

a combination of a non-ionic surfactant and a terpolymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Implementation Method 3

The composition also prevents soil deposition on the filter of the dishwasher

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnti-deposition:

Data Source

PatentEP3974504B1Automatic dishwashing cleaning composition

Publication Date: 2023.07.26 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

Automatic dishwashing cleaning composition comprising a terpolymer comprising (meth)acrylic acid, linear or branched C1-C20 alkyl (meth)acrylate and vinylpyrrolidone; and a non-ionic surfactant.