Water Soluble Pellets for Fabric Softening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fabric softeners based on ester quats deposit lime residues, interact negatively with detergent surfactants, and cause unpleasant deposits in washing machines, limiting water absorption and consumer control over fragrance levels.
Innovation Solution
Water soluble pellets composed of vegetable soap (10-95 wt%), perfume oil (2-12 wt%), and optional dye or perfume capsules, made through mixing and extrusion, which dissolve quickly in water to release fragrance and actives, avoiding the drawbacks of traditional fabric softeners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fabric softeners based on ester quats are used to deliver fragrance and protect fabrics, then fragrance delivery and fabric protection are achieved, but lime residues are deposited, unpleasant deposits form in the washing machine, and water absorption is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing ester quat-based softeners with vegetable soap-based pellets containing specific surfactants (alkyl polyglucosides, alkyl ether carboxylic acids) and fabric softening agents (dimethyl dialkyl ammonium bisulfate). This parameter change eliminates lime residue deposition while maintaining fragrance delivery and fabric protection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material formulation combining vegetable soap, multiple types of surfactants, fabric softening agents, and fragrance encapsulated in_perfume capsules_. This composite approach provides synergistic effects that deliver fragrance while avoiding the harmful deposits associated with traditional ester quat softeners.
2Reliability
If fabric softeners are used to protect fabrics, then fabric protection is achieved, but negative interactions with detergent anionic surfactants occur, limiting water absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical compatibility parameters by using cationic fabric softening agents (dimethyl dialkyl ammonium bisulfate) that are compatible with anionic surfactants in detergents. This eliminates negative interactions while maintaining fabric protection and improving water absorption properties.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional fabric softeners are used, then fragrance is delivered to clothes, but consumers cannot control the amount of fragrance independently from detergent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the laundry care product into separate functional components: detergent for cleaning and vegetable soap pellets for fragrance and softening. This segmentation allows consumers to independently control the amount of fragrance by adding varying quantities of pellets without affecting detergent dosage, providing versatility and consumer choice.
4Reliability
If vegetable soap based pellets are used to eliminate softener drawbacks, then fragrance delivery and fabric protection are improved, but manufacturing complexity must be considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single pellet formulation: vegetable soap base, surfactants, fabric softening agents, fragrance encapsulation, and dye are combined into one integrated product. This merging simplifies manufacturing by using a unified production process rather than multiple separate steps, while eliminating the drawbacks of traditional softeners.
Solution Approach 2:
The pellets are designed to automatically dissolve and release their contents during the washing machine rinse cycle without requiring separate application steps. The encapsulated fragrance and active ingredients are self-releasing based on water contact, eliminating the need for complex dispensing mechanisms or manual intervention.
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 water soluble pellets provide controlled fragrance delivery, protect fabrics, and eliminate the drawbacks of traditional softeners, while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture, ensuring consistent freshness and improved laundry performance.
Implementation Method 1
The pellets are able to dissolve in water fast enough to enable the release of one or more actives during product application
Implementation Method 2
extruding said composition; and cutting said extruded composition forming said water soluble pellets
Data Source
AI summary
A water soluble pellet for releasing one or more actives including a vegetable soap carrier in an amount of 10-95 wt %; a perfume oil in an amount of 2-12 wt %; and a dye in an amount of 0.001 to 0.5 wt %. The method for manufacturing the water soluble pellet includes the following steps: mixing the composition; extruding the composition; and cutting the extruded composition to form water soluble pellets.