Biodegradable Resin Particles With Controlled Size Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biodegradable resin particles used in cosmetics lack spherical shape, small particle size, and adequate skin adhesion and soft spreadability, necessitating improvements for better cosmetic applications.

Innovation Solution

A biodegradable resin particle with a volume average particle size of 5 µm to 50 µm and a relative span factor of 1.2 or less, produced through a droplet ejection and granulation process using a liquid column resonance method, ensuring uniform particle size distribution and enhanced skin adhesion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional biodegradable resin particles are used, then environmental impact is reduced, but skin adhesion and soft spreadability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental biodegradabilityVSAvoidskin adhesion and soft spreadability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling particle size (5-50 μm volume average) and particle size distribution (relative span factor ≤1.2) to transform the physical properties of biodegradable resin particles, enabling them to achieve both environmental compatibility and improved skin adhesion and soft spreadability for cosmetic applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If resin particles are made smaller for better spreadability, then particle size decreases, but particle size uniformity becomes difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle sizeVSAvoidparticle size uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs mechanical vibration through ultrasonic treatment during the particle formation process to achieve uniform particle size distribution. The ultrasonic vibration energy helps control particle growth and prevents aggregation, enabling simultaneous achievement of small particle size (5-50 μm) and narrow size distribution (relative span factor ≤1.2)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Shape

If resin particles are made spherical for better rolling properties, then circularity improves, but particle size control becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecircularityVSAvoidparticle size control
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simultaneously optimizes multiple parameters including particle size (5-50 μm), particle size distribution (relative span factor ≤1.2), and circularity (>0.960) through controlled precipitation and ultrasonic treatment processes, achieving spherical particles with precise size control for improved rolling properties and skin spreadability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 resin particles exhibit excellent skin adhesion and soft use feeling, suitable for cosmetics, with improved spreadability and uniformity, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

produced through a droplet ejection and granulation process using a liquid column resonance method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid column resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP4636014A1Resin particle and method for producing resin particle
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4636014A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4636014A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4636014A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A resin particle is provided that includes a biodegradable resin. The resin particle has a volume average particle size of 5 µm or more and 50 µm or less and a relative span factor of 1.2 or less.