Toilet Rim Block Shell Core Gradient Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toilet blocks fail to achieve a continuous change in the delivery of active ingredients, leading to abrupt transitions which are not effective as consumption indicators.

Innovation Solution

A toilet block design featuring a shell and core structure, where the shell and core have different compositions, allowing for the controlled release of active ingredients, with the core projecting to the surface and adjusting its exposed area as the block is used, enabling a continuous change in the release ratio with each flush.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a toilet block with two masses containing a common active ingredient in different concentrations is used, then the active ingredient concentration changes during flushing, but the transition is abrupt and a continuous change is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive ingredient concentrationVSAvoidtransition smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The toilet block is segmented into multiple layers with progressively changing active ingredient concentrations. Instead of just two masses, the invention uses three or more layers where each layer has a different concentration of the active ingredient, creating a gradient structure that enables continuous change in concentration as the block dissolves from outer to inner layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the toilet block are assigned different active ingredient concentrations tailored to specific usage phases. The outer layers contain lower concentrations suitable for initial flushing, while inner layers contain progressively higher concentrations, allowing each local region to serve its specific function in the overall dissolution sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of information

If the transition between layers is abrupt to indicate consumption, then the consumption indicator function is clear, but a continuous change in active ingredient release cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumption indicationVSAvoidactive ingredient release continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The toilet block structure dynamically transitions from outer layers to inner layers as it dissolves. The progressive exposure of layers with increasing active ingredient concentrations creates a dynamic, continuous change in the release profile, allowing the system to adapt its composition over time rather than maintaining static abrupt transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The active ingredient concentration parameter is systematically varied across different layers, creating a gradient sequence. This parameter change approach allows continuous adjustment of the release characteristics as each layer dissolves, transforming the static abrupt transition into a dynamic continuous progression of concentration levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design allows for a continuous and controlled release of active ingredients, providing a more effective consumption indicator and enhanced cleaning or scenting performance over the life of the block.

Implementation Method 1

the first and second compositions differ in at least one of the following characteristics: different active ingredients, different concentrations of the same active ingredient... allowing for the controlled release of active ingredients

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution:

Data Source

PatentEP3331979B1Wc ball and wc cage
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP3331979B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3331979B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3331979B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for a toilet bowl, comprising means for holding the toilet rim block to the toilet bowl. The invention further relates to at least one, preferably at least two toilet rim blocks (1), each consisting of an outer cover (2) and a core (3), and to a rim block cage comprising said toilet rim block (1). The outer cover (2) comprises a first composition and the core (3) comprises a second composition. Preferably, the first and the second compositions differ from each other by at least one of the following features: different active substances, different concentration but same active substance, and different viscosity. The outer cover (2) partly encloses the core (3) and said core (3) protrudes on at least one face of the toilet rim block (1) right to the surface as a pole (4) and is exposed.