Multi-Compartment Water-Soluble Pack for Stable Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unit dose cleaning products face stability issues due to the proximity of different cleaning ingredients, which can lead to degradation, especially with the elimination of phosphate, and challenges in processing organic dispersants and builders from liquid to solid form, resulting in hygroscopic and deliquescent properties that affect flow and storage.
Innovation Solution
A multi-compartment water-soluble pack with a high water content liquid compartment containing a hygroscopic material to stabilize the cleaning composition and enveloping material, maintaining low equilibrium relative humidity and water activity, and a separate compartment for moisture-sensitive ingredients in various physical forms, using a deliquescent organic material as both a stabilizer and active ingredient, while being free of phosphate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If phosphate is eliminated from cleaning formulations, then environmental profile is improved, but product stability deteriorates due to loss of moisture adsorption capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing phosphate with alternative moisture-absorbing agents such as silicates, carbonates, or organic compounds that can adsorb moisture from the environment, thereby maintaining product stability without phosphate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent copies the functional property of phosphate (moisture adsorption) by introducing alternative materials that perform the same function - absorbing moisture from the surrounding environment to prevent degradation of cleaning actives
2Stability of the object's composition
If organic dispersants and builders are converted from liquid to solid form, then storage stability is improved, but processing complexity and cost increase due to required transformation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of organic dispersants and builders from liquid to solid form through controlled drying and particle formation processes, enabling solid storage while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition from liquid to solid state by evaporating solvent and forming particles or granules from liquid organic dispersants and builders, allowing stable solid storage without complex conversion chemistry
3Volume of moving object
If unit dose product size is reduced, then portability is improved, but cleaning and stability issues worsen due to closer proximity of ingredients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning composition into separate compartments or layers within the unit dose package, physically isolating ingredients that would otherwise be in close proximity and potentially reactive, thereby maintaining stability in reduced-size formats
4Stability of the object's composition
If hygroscopic materials are used to stabilize cleaning composition, then chemical stability is improved, but flow properties deteriorate due to moisture absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the humidity parameter of the environment by using hygroscopic materials that absorb moisture from the air, creating a low-humidity microenvironment that stabilizes the cleaning composition while managing flow characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hygroscopic materials as intermediary substances that mediate between the cleaning actives and the environment, absorbing excess moisture and preventing direct interaction between sensitive ingredients and ambient humidity
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 solution provides a stable and effective cleaning product with improved chemical and mechanical stability, reduced moisture interaction, and enhanced environmental profile, allowing for the use of active ingredients in their native forms without the need for costly conversion processes.
Implementation Method 1
The first liquid comprises a hygroscopic material, preferably solubilised therein. The water is partially or totally immobilized by the hygroscopic material providing great chemical stability to the cleaning composition and mechanical stability to the enveloping material.
Implementation Method 2
using a deliquescent organic material as both a stabilizer and active ingredient
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-compartment water-soluble pack comprising a cleaning composition and an enveloping material where the pack comprises a first compartment containing a first composition in liquid form comprising:i) a hygroscopic material; andii) more than about 15% of water;wherein the first composition has an equilibrium relative humidity of less than about 65% at 20° C.