Confectionery Surface Plant Material Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chewing gum and pressed mint products lack a distinctive appearance and premium sensory experience, and there is a risk of microbial contamination from mixed-in plant material inclusions.
Innovation Solution
The surface of chewing gum or pressed mint products is covered by at least 20% of large, thin pieces of plant material such as leaves or fruit slices, which are adhered using mechanical pressure, enhancing visual appeal and reducing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plant material is mixed into the chewing gum composition, then flavor and texture are enhanced, but microbial contamination risk increases and visual impact is reduced due to fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The plant material is segmented into thin pieces that are applied as surface layers rather than being mixed throughout the bulk composition. This segmentation allows the plant material to maintain its visual integrity and reduce microbial contamination risk while still providing flavor and texture benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The plant material is transitioned from a three-dimensional bulk inclusion to a two-dimensional surface layer. This dimensional change maximizes visual impact by preserving the natural appearance of leaves and fruit slices while minimizing the volume of plant material that could potentially harbor microbes.
2Quantity of substance
If plant material is mixed into the chewing gum composition, then flavor contribution is improved, but the plant material becomes severely fragmented during mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The plant material is prepared in advance by slicing into thin pieces before being applied to the chewing gum surface. This preliminary action ensures the plant material maintains its integrity and can be evenly distributed without severe fragmentation during the mixing process.
3Shape
If large pieces of plant material are applied to the surface, then visual impact and premium perception are maximized, but adhesion to the confectionery surface becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The thickness of the plant material is optimized to be thin enough to adhere easily to the confectionery surface while still maintaining visual impact. This parameter change balances the competing requirements of adhesion ease and visual appeal.
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 provides a premium sensory experience and reduced contamination risk by maximizing visual impact and ensuring food safety through the use of adhered plant material, while maintaining the natural appearance and flavor of the products.
Implementation Method 1
the thin pieces of plant material are adhered to the surface of the chewing gum or pressed mint by applying mechanical pressure to the plant material as it contacts the confectionery piece
Data Source
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AI summary
Chewing gums and pressed mint products which include plant materials such as leaves and fruit slices adhered on their surface are disclosed. Preferably, the chewing gum or pressed mint piece will have at least one side surface of which a major portion of the area is covered or substantially covered one piece or a few pieces of plant material. The piece of plant material may be large enough in area that it may be identified by the consumer, for example as being a mint leaf or a slice of a strawberry.