Water-Soluble Unit Dose Films for Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water-soluble polymeric films used in unit dose articles often incompletely dissolve during wash cycles, leaving residue, and lack adequate strength and seal strength, especially under stressed conditions like cold water and short wash cycles, leading to potential leakage and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A water-soluble unit dose article comprising two chemically different films with specific water capacities and tensile strain at break properties, where the first film is thermoformed and sealed with a second film to create a sealed compartment that dissolves completely in water while maintaining strength and preventing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single water-soluble film is used to make unit dose articles, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the film lacks adequate strength and seal strength under stressed conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite film structure consisting of an outer water-soluble film and an inner water-soluble film with different properties. The outer film provides water solubility and dissolves during the wash cycle, while the inner film provides structural strength and seal integrity. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties to achieve both strength and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The film structure is segmented into two distinct functional layers: an outer film responsible for water solubility and dissolution, and an inner film responsible for mechanical strength and sealing. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and strength by dividing the film into specialized components.
2Ease of operation
If water-soluble films are used to provide accurate dosing and eliminate measuring, then consumer convenience is improved, but the films incompletely dissolve under stressed wash conditions leaving residue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of the outer film to optimize its dissolution behavior. By selecting specific water-soluble polymers and controlling film thickness, composition, and crystallinity, the outer film is engineered to dissolve completely under various wash conditions including cold water and short cycles, eliminating residue while maintaining consumer convenience.
3Strength
If the water-soluble unit dose article is made stronger to withstand packing and transport forces, then leakage is prevented, but the film's water solubility and dissolvability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The composite film structure resolves this contradiction by assigning different functional roles to each layer: the outer film is optimized for water solubility and complete dissolution, while the inner film provides the necessary mechanical strength and seal integrity. This allows the pouch to withstand handling forces without compromising its ability to dissolve completely during the wash cycle.
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 optimal water solubility, seal strength, and pouch strength, preventing residue and leakage, even under stressed washing conditions, and maintains the integrity of the detergent composition during use.
Implementation Method 1
the first water soluble film is thermoformed and sealed to the second water soluble film
Implementation Method 2
water-soluble unit dose article comprising a first water soluble film and a second water soluble film
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to water-soluble unit dose articles made from a combination of chemically different water-soluble films and containing household care compositions that are at least partially enclosed by the water-soluble films in at least one compartment.