Unit-Dose Dishwashing Detergent Composition for Grit Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automatic dishwashing detergents often result in grit formation on washed items, which is difficult to remove and negatively impacts shine, especially in unit dose forms and heavily soiled loads, with the mechanism of grit formation not well understood.

Innovation Solution

An automatic dishwashing detergent composition in unit dose form containing a high level of starch degrading enzyme, preferably alpha-amylase, combined with protease and lipase, along with anti-redeposition agents and sulfonated polymers, to prevent grit formation and enhance cleaning and finishing results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional automatic dishwashing detergents are used, then cleaning function is provided, but grit formation occurs on washed items

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning functionVSAvoidgrit formation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the concentration parameter of starch degrading enzymes from conventional levels to high levels (at least 0.2 mg active enzyme per gram of composition). This parameter change enables effective prevention of grit formation while maintaining cleaning function, resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and grit prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite detergent composition combining multiple enzyme types (starch degrading enzymes, proteases, lipases) with anti-redeposition agents and sulfonated polymers. This composite approach synergistically prevents grit formation while maintaining comprehensive cleaning performance across different soil types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If high level of starch degrading enzyme is used, then grit formation is prevented, but product complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrit formation preventionVSAvoidproduct formulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs enzyme compositions that perform multiple functions: starch degrading enzymes prevent grit formation, while proteases and lipases simultaneously clean protein and fat soils. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized additives, managing formulation complexity while achieving comprehensive performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes enzyme concentration parameters to achieve effective grit prevention at specific thresholds (at least 0.2 mg active starch degrading enzyme per gram). By defining clear parameter ranges, the patent manages formulation complexity through quantifiable specifications rather than open-ended composition requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple enzyme types are combined, then cleaning performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates enzymes in preliminary stabilized forms suitable for unit dose packaging, with starch degrading enzymes, proteases, and lipases pre-formulated to maintain stability during storage and dissolution. This preliminary preparation simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for complex post-formulation enzyme stabilization steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 prevents grit formation, improves cleaning and finishing, and provides better shine on washed items even under stressed conditions, reducing filming and spotting, by suspending soil particles and preventing recombination.

Implementation Method 1

comprising a high level of active starch degrading enzyme... A good performance in terms of grit prevention has been found when using an alpha-amylase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

The results can be further improved by adding a protease enzyme to the composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 3

by suspending soil particles and preventing recombination

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuspension: Suspension

Data Source

PatentUS9334484B2Automatic detergent dishwashing composition
Publication Date: 2016.05.10 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

An automatic dishwashing detergent composition in unit dose form wherein the composition comprises at least about 0.2 mg of active starch degrading enzyme per gram of composition and wherein the weight of the composition is less than about 25 grams.