Butter Preparation via Partial Hydrogenation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preparing cosmetic butters through hydrogenation of vegetable oils result in degradation of temperature-sensitive oils, formation of undesired byproducts, and a fatty acid profile that is not typical of the original vegetable oil.

Innovation Solution

A process involving the hydrogenation of a single vegetable oil, followed by the addition of the same vegetable oil to the hydrogenated oil, to create a butter with a typical fatty acid profile and improved stability, optionally including vitamin E for enhanced properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If hydrogenation is performed at high temperature and pressure to convert vegetable oil to butter, then the oil achieves solid consistency and butter texture, but the temperature-sensitive vegetable oil degrades and undesired byproducts form

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconsistencyVSAvoiddegradation of vegetable oil
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial hydrogenation rather than complete hydrogenation, changing the degree of saturation parameter to achieve solid consistency while preserving temperature-sensitive components. This partial transformation maintains the fatty acid profile typical of the original vegetable oil while providing the desired butter texture and consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If hydrogenation is performed at high temperature and pressure to achieve butter texture, then the oil becomes solid, but the fatty acid profile becomes less typical of the original vegetable oil

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetextureVSAvoidfatty acid profile
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs partial hydrogenation, applying hydrogenation action to the extent necessary to achieve solid consistency and butter texture without over-hydrogenating. This partial action preserves the characteristic fatty acid profile of the original vegetable oil while still transforming it into the desired butter form with appropriate texture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Shape

If complete hydrogenation is performed to obtain solid butter, then the consistency is achieved, but cracking and condensation byproducts are formed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconsistencyVSAvoidcracking or condensation byproducts
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful complete hydrogenation process into a beneficial partial hydrogenation process. By controlling the hydrogenation degree, the method achieves the desired solid consistency and butter texture while avoiding the formation of cracking and condensation byproducts that would result from complete hydrogenation of temperature-sensitive oils.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 resulting butter exhibits a typical fatty acid profile of the original vegetable oil, improved stability, and enhanced cosmetic properties, such as nourishing and moisturizing effects, while avoiding the drawbacks of traditional hydrogenation methods.

Implementation Method 1

Hydrogenation is the process by which hydrogen is added to the points of unsaturation of a fatty acid. The oil is reacted with hydrogen at high temperature and high pressure in the presence of a catalyst.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogenation: Hydrogenation

Data Source

PatentUS12290593B2Butter preparation process
Publication Date: 2025.05.06 NATUROCHIM

AI summary

The present invention relates to a butter comprising a vegetable oil and said hydrogenated vegetable oil.