Two-Composition Toilet Blocks Using Non-Concentric Coextrusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toilet blocks with multiple compositions release active ingredients unevenly, with the outer shell dissolving first and the core releasing later, failing to achieve a consistent release profile over their entire service life.

Innovation Solution

A toilet block production method involving non-concentric coextrusion, where two compositions are in spatial contact with different regions of the extruder head's side wall, followed by spheronization to form a spherical geometry, ensuring even distribution and simultaneous release of active ingredients.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If concentric coextrusion is used to produce toilet blocks with two compositions, then different active ingredients can be combined in the block, but the shell dissolves first resulting in uneven release of active ingredients

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to combine different active ingredientsVSAvoiduniformity of active ingredient release
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by using non-concentric coextrusion where the first and second compositions are extruded in asymmetric positions relative to the extruder head axis. The first composition contacts a first partial area of the side wall while the second composition contacts a second partial area, creating an asymmetric internal structure that enables simultaneous dissolution and uniform release of both active ingredients throughout the block's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of manufacture

If concentric coextrusion is used, then production is simplified, but the block geometry causes the outer shell to dissolve before the core

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of production processVSAvoidservice life consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the extruder head's side wall into multiple partial areas and assigning different compositions to different segments. The first composition is in spatial contact with a first partial area while the second composition is in spatial contact with a second partial area, creating segmented composition distribution that enables simultaneous dissolution rates and consistent performance throughout the block's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single composition is used for the rim block, then the production process is simple, but only one type of active ingredient can be effectively utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction process complexityVSAvoidvariety of active ingredients
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining multiple compositions containing different active ingredients into a single integrated rim block structure. The non-concentric coextrusion process merges the first composition with its active ingredient and the second composition with its active ingredient into one homogeneous-looking block, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 method ensures a uniform and consistent release of both active ingredients throughout the block's life, enhancing aesthetics and performance by maintaining a symmetrical geometry that allows even flushing and contact with water.

Implementation Method 1

the production of the toilet block comprises a non-concentric coextrusion step

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExtrusion: Extrusion

Implementation Method 2

the two compositions are interwoven with one another on the surface in a streak-like manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3628726B1Toilet bowl deodorizer block comprising two different compositions
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP3628726B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3628726B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3628726B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a solid toilet block comprising at least a first composition and a second composition obtained by a non-concentric co-extrusion step, as well as a method for producing such a toilet block and a device comprising such a toilet block.