Machine dishwasher capsule with three compartments

Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-compartment detergent capsules are complex and costly to manufacture, and existing designs do not effectively separate components for optimal use in dishwashing machines, particularly in terms of compartment arrangement and stability during storage and transport.

Innovation Solution

A machine dishwasher capsule with three compartments, each containing different components (liquid and powder) separated by a sealing plane, designed for efficient thermoforming and stacking, using water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol film for flexibility and visibility, allowing for targeted detergent distribution and reduced packaging volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multi-compartment detergent capsules are manufactured using traditional thermoforming processes, then different detergent components can be separated into different compartments, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation of detergent componentsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capsule is divided into multiple compartments separated by sealing planes, with each compartment containing different detergent components (liquid and powder). This segmentation allows separate delivery of main wash and rinse agents, resolving the need to separate detergent components while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a unified capsule structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines multiple detergent components (liquid and powder) into a single integrated capsule unit that can be manufactured in one thermoforming process. This merging approach reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for different detergent containers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Quantity of substance

If multi-compartment detergent capsules are manufactured using traditional thermoforming processes, then different detergent components can be separated into different compartments, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation of detergent componentsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The capsule is divided into multiple compartments separated by sealing planes, with each compartment containing different detergent components (liquid and powder). This segmentation allows separate delivery of main wash and rinse agents, resolving the need to separate detergent components while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a unified capsule structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines multiple detergent components (liquid and powder) into a single integrated capsule unit that can be manufactured in one thermoforming process. This merging approach reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for different detergent containers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If compartments are arranged in overlapping configuration, then capsule volume is reduced, but stability during storage and transport deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule volumeVSAvoidstability during storage and transport

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The compartments are arranged in an asymmetric non-overlapping configuration where compartments extend different distances above and below the sealing plane. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes both space utilization and structural stability, allowing the capsule to maintain its shape and stability during storage and transport while minimizing overall volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Adaptability or versatility

If number of compartments is increased, then detergent composition versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent composition versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capsule is divided into multiple compartments separated by sealing planes, with each compartment containing different detergent components (liquid and powder). This segmentation allows separate delivery of main wash and rinse agents, resolving the need to separate detergent components while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a unified capsule structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 capsule design enhances the separation and stability of detergent components, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, and optimizes space usage during storage and transport, providing effective cleaning performance in dishwashing machines.

Implementation Method 1

Multi-compartment water-soluble detergent capsules are typically made with water-soluble film, for example polyvinyl alcohol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater solubility: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

The process involves heating the film to soften it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal softening: Heating

Implementation Method 3

applying vacuum to hold the film in the moulds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum pressure: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS20220325210A1Machine dishwasher capsule with three compartments

Publication Date: 2022.10.13 CONOPCO INC

AI summary

A laundry or machine dish wash product capsule comprising a first compartment containing a first component, a second compartment containing a second component, and a third compartment containing a third component, wherein each of the first compartment and second compartment are separated from each other in a sealing plane.