Water-soluble unit dose articles comprising perfume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer expectations for the intensity of scent in fabrics treated with fibrous water-soluble unit dose articles are not met, as perfume often does not deposit effectively on fabrics and is lost during the washing and drying processes, leading to a decrease in scent intensity.
Innovation Solution
A water-soluble unit dose article comprising a concentrated perfume composition positioned between two superposed fibrous plies, with the perfume composition comprising 55% to 90% perfume and 10% to 45% oil-binding agent, providing a viscosity of 4 Pa-s to 200 Pa-s and an onset of melt from 5°C to 25°C, ensuring effective perfume deposition and retention on fabrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If more perfume is added to fabric care products to increase scent intensity, then the scent intensity on fabric is improved, but the product stability and substrate integrity deteriorate due to perfume instability with liquid ingredients and potential leakage or premature dissolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the perfume from liquid to solid by incorporating it into a water-soluble solid substrate (fibrous ply). This parameter change allows the perfume to be delivered in a stable form that does not leak or dissolve prematurely, while still providing intense scent when the substrate dissolves in water during the wash cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system where perfume is combined with a water-soluble solid substrate (such as a fibrous ply). This composite structure allows the perfume to be contained and delivered effectively, combining the scent-providing properties of the perfume with the water-soluble, non-leaking properties of the solid substrate
2Illumination intensity
If perfume is added to fabric care products to enhance scent deposition, then the scent intensity is improved, but the scent retention during washing and drying deteriorates as perfume is lost to drain water and heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the delivery mechanism by using a water-soluble solid substrate that releases perfume directly onto the fabric during the wash cycle. This ensures the perfume is deposited at the right time and place, minimizing loss to drain water and heat during drying, while maximizing scent retention on the fabric
Solution Approach 2:
The water-soluble solid substrate serves itself by automatically dissolving in water during the wash cycle and releasing the perfume directly onto the fabric. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional application steps and ensures efficient perfume deposition and retention without waste
3Ease of operation
If conventional liquid or powder fabric treatment compositions are used, then ease of application is maintained, but precise dosage control deteriorates leading to over or under dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fabric treatment composition into individual pre-measured units (water-soluble solid substrates such as tablets, discs, or fibrous plies). Each unit contains a precise amount of active agents and perfume, allowing consumers to easily apply the correct dosage by simply placing one unit in the wash, thereby combining ease of operation with precise dosage control
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 ensures that the scent intensity of the article is maintained on fabrics throughout the washing and drying processes, meeting consumer expectations by enhancing perfume deposition and retention.
Implementation Method 1
a concentrated perfume composition is positioned between the superposed plies
Implementation Method 2
water-soluble unit dose article comprising a water-soluble fibrous first ply superposed to a water-soluble fibrous second ply
Implementation Method 3
ensuring effective perfume deposition and retention on fabrics
Implementation Method 4
ensuring effective perfume deposition and retention on fabrics
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a household care composition, which delivers active agents onto fabric, in the form of a water-soluble unit dose article comprising a water-soluble fibrous structure and a perfume, as well as methods for making the article and methods for treating fabrics using the article.