Unit Dose Packs with Reverse Poloxamer Anti-Efflorescence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unit dose packs with wash compositions often experience efflorescence, leading to a grainy or hazy appearance and feel due to sodium migration in the water-soluble film, which is undesirable for consumer perception and film stability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a reverse poloxamer in specific concentrations along with other solvents like glycerin and polyethylene glycol in the wash composition, which slows the diffusion of salts into the film, reducing efflorescence while maintaining film stability and haptics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a water-soluble film is used to encapsulate the wash composition, then the unit dose pack is easy to carry and convenient to use, but efflorescence occurs causing the film to appear grainy or hazy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of useVSAvoidefflorescence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A polymer coating is applied to the interior surface of the water-soluble film to act as an intermediary barrier. This coating prevents direct contact between the wash composition (containing sodium salts) and the film, thereby blocking the efflorescence mechanism while allowing the film to remain water-soluble and biodegradable for convenient disposal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging system becomes a composite structure combining the water-soluble film with a polymer coating layer. This composite approach maintains the beneficial properties of the water-soluble film (convenience, eco-friendliness) while adding the protective function of the polymer coating to prevent efflorescence and maintain film clarity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If sodium-containing materials are included in the wash composition, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but sodium migrates to the film surface causing efflorescence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidefflorescence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer coating serves as a mediator that allows sodium-containing cleaning agents to maintain their effectiveness in contacting and removing soils, while simultaneously preventing the sodium from migrating through and crystallizing on the film surface. The coating acts as a selective barrier to ion migration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The presence of sodium in the wash composition, which initially causes harm through efflorescence, is converted into a benefit by the polymer coating that enables sodium to perform its cleaning function without suffering the negative consequence of film degradation. The harmful sodium ions are effectively tamed by the coating barrier

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Illumination intensity

If the film is made clear to show contents, then consumer visibility is improved, but efflorescence makes the film appear grainy or hazy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilm transparencyVSAvoidefflorescence

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer coating acts as an intermediary protective layer that preserves the optical clarity of the clear film by preventing efflorescence. The coating allows light to pass through maintaining visibility of the contents, while simultaneously blocking the chemical interaction that would otherwise cause haziness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The polymer coating is applied in advance to the film before the wash composition is enclosed, providing preemptive protection against efflorescence. This prior cushioning ensures that when sodium-containing materials are introduced, the film is already protected and will maintain its clarity throughout storage and use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 use of reverse poloxamer and other solvents effectively delays or prevents efflorescence, ensuring a stable and smooth film appearance and feel, even when exposed to water, thus enhancing consumer acceptance and product performance.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS11859154B2Unit dose packs with anti-efflorescence formulations

Publication Date: 2024.01.02 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

Unit dose packs and methods of producing and using the same are provided, where the unit dose packs have reduced efflorescence. In accordance with one embodiment, the unit dose pack includes a wash composition encapsulated within a film. The wash composition includes a reverse poloxamer present in an amount of from about 8 to about 20 weight percent, glycerin present in an amount of from about 0 to about 30 weight percent, polyethylene glycol present in an amount of from about 0 to about 30 weight percent, an anionic surfactant present in an amount of from about 9 to about 18 weight percent, a non-ionic surfactant present in an amount of from about 15 to about 30 weight percent, and a linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid present in an amount of from about 4 to about 8 weight percent, all based on a total weight of the wash composition.