Toilet Solid Block Formulation Without Fillers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid toilet blocks with detergent and sanitizing properties face issues of residue formation due to high filler content, leading to unsightly deposits and increased environmental impact, while also being aesthetically unappealing and costly to produce and transport.
Innovation Solution
A solid toilet block formulation comprising 85-95% non-ionic surfactant, 2-10% perfuming agent, 0.1-3% polyalcohol, 1-3% foaming agent, and minimal or no filler, which transforms into a transparent gel upon hydration, providing extended usage without residue formation and improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If high quantities of inert fillers (sodium sulfate or sodium carbonate) are used in the toilet block formulation, then the dissolution is modulated and texture is improved, but white deposits form on the toilet bowl walls during flushing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes inert fillers (sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate) from the formulation entirely, replacing them with water-soluble alternatives that do not cause deposit formation. The formulation uses surfactants, perfuming agents, and sanitizing agents as the primary components, extracting the harmful filler substances while maintaining the desired dissolution properties through the selected surfactant system.
2Quantity of substance
If high quantities of inert fillers are used in the toilet block, then the block weight increases, but transportation costs and CO2 production increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates inert fillers from the formulation, significantly reducing the block weight. The formulation consists primarily of water (60-80%), surfactants (10-30%), and minor components (0.1-5%), without any inert filler content. This extraction of unnecessary mass directly reduces transportation costs and environmental impact while maintaining effective cleansing and perfuming properties.
3Stability of the object's composition
If high quantities of inert fillers are used in the toilet block formulation, then the block structure is maintained, but the aesthetic appearance becomes matt and less appealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compositional parameters by eliminating inert fillers and using a water-based formulation with surfactants and gel-forming agents. This parameter change transforms the appearance from matt to translucent or transparent, while the block structure is maintained through the gel network formed by the surfactant system and cross-linking agents.
4Shape
If the toilet block is formulated with translucent gel phase, then aesthetic appearance and perfuming action are improved, but production processes become particularly complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the aesthetic gel phase functionality with the cleansing surfactant system into a single integrated formulation. The translucent appearance and cleaning action are achieved through the same water-soluble surfactant and gel-forming components, eliminating the need for separate production processes for different phases. The formulation is produced as a homogeneous gel that provides both aesthetic and functional properties.
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 formulation ensures a longer-lasting, residue-free, and aesthetically pleasing toilet block that maintains effective cleansing and perfuming capabilities for a higher number of flushing operations, with reduced production costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the presence of components which, adjusting the dissolution, allow a gradual and slow release of the various components constituting the block itself
Implementation Method 2
a solid block, containing the various active ingredients of interest, slowly dissolving to rinsing water flushing
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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AI summary
It is described a solid toilet block having a formulation comprising a non-ionic surfactant selected from one or more polyalkylethers, in an amount ranging from 85 to 95%, preferably from 91 to 93%, by weight with respect to the total weight of the block; wherein said non-ionic surfactant includes a linear or branched alkyl chain, preferably linear, with a number of carbon atoms greater than or equal to 10, and even more preferably comprised between 12 and 22; and wherein said non-ionic surfactant has a number of moles of ethylene oxide per molecule greater than 15, even more preferably greater than 30; a perfuming agent in an amount ranging from 2 to 10%, preferably from 3 to 5%, by weight with respect to the total weight of the block; a polyalcohol, with a number of carbon atoms preferably lower than 5, or a polyether liquid at room temperature, in an amount ranging from 0,1 to 3%, preferably from 1,5 to 2,5%, by weight with respect to the total weight of the block; a foaming agent selected from the classes of anionic and/or non-ionic and/or cationic and/or amphoteric surfactants, in an amount ranging from 1 to 3%, preferably from 1,5 to 2,5%, by weight with respect to the total weight of the block; water in an amount ranging from 0,1 to 0,5%, preferably from 0,2 to 0,3%, by weight with respect to the total weight of the block; said formulation providing an inorganic or organic filler, present in an amount lower than 20% by weight, preferably lower than 10% by weight, still more preferably not providing any inorganic or organic filler.