Water-Soluble Unit Dose with Paper Interior and Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water-soluble unit dose articles in containers are prone to structural failure and leakage due to temperature variations during transport and storage, leading to contamination and inconvenience, and there is a risk of accidental premature opening.
Innovation Solution
A consumer product featuring a container with a paper-based interior surface for the water-soluble unit dose articles, equipped with a locking mechanism and a second part that blocks access to the opening when not in use, ensuring the unit dose articles remain intact and secure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If water-soluble unit dose articles are stored in rigid or flexible plastic containers during transport and storage, then the container provides structural support and protection, but the container is subjected to extreme temperature variations that cause structural failure of the water-soluble unit dose article
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (oil or wax coating) between the water-soluble unit dose article and the container environment. This coating acts as a protective barrier that reduces the direct impact of temperature variations on the water-soluble film, preventing structural failure while allowing the container to provide its structural support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a coating that changes the surface properties and thermal characteristics of the water-soluble unit dose article. This coating modifies the article's response to temperature variations, reducing the rate of temperature change and preventing the structural failure that would occur with direct exposure to extreme temperatures.
2Ease of manufacture
If water-soluble unit dose articles are stored in containers with plastic interior surfaces, then the container provides easy cleaning and durability, but the water-soluble film sticks to the plastic surface during temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The oil or wax coating serves as an intermediary layer between the water-soluble film and the plastic container surface. This intermediary prevents direct adhesion between the water-soluble material and plastic, eliminating the sticking problem while the plastic container maintains its durability and ease of cleaning properties.
3Reliability
If containers are equipped with locking mechanisms to prevent accidental opening, then the container remains securely closed during transport, but the locking mechanism adds complexity to the container structure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for a reliable locking function while keeping each individual component simple and the overall structure manageable, avoiding excessive complexity.
4Device complexity
If water-soluble unit dose articles are stored in containers without protective coatings, then the container structure remains simple, but the articles are prone to structural failure and leakage during temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The oil or wax coating is applied as a simple, cost-effective treatment that can be easily applied during manufacturing. While the coating itself is thin and relatively simple, it provides disproportionate protection against temperature-induced structural failure, making it a highly effective addition without significantly increasing complexity.
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 paper-based interior surface and locking mechanism significantly reduce structural failure and leakage during temperature fluctuations, minimizing contamination and accidental opening, thus enhancing the product's stability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
Upon addition of the water-soluble unit dose article to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and/or disintegrates releasing the detergent into the surrounding water to produce a wash liquor
Implementation Method 2
at least part of the interior surface of the first part is constructed from paper-based material so that the water-soluble film of the at least one unit dose article directly contacts the paper-based material of the internal surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
Consumer product comprising a container and at least one water-soluble unit dose article.