Non-aqueous Dentifrice Whitening Complex Off-gas Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current oral care products do not adequately address the issue of off-gassing resulting from hydrogen peroxide decomposition in tooth whitening compositions, leading to instability and reduced effectiveness over time.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a whitening complex of cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone complexed with hydrogen peroxide, an off-gas reducing agent such as sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, citric acid, or clay, and an orally acceptable carrier in a non-aqueous dentifrice composition, which minimizes or eliminates off-gas production, thereby increasing stability and shelf-life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydrogen peroxide is used for teeth whitening, then whitening efficacy is improved, but off-gassing occurs leading to container bloating and leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewhitening efficacyVSAvoidoff-gassing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an off-gas reducing agent as an intermediary substance that interacts with hydrogen peroxide to prevent oxygen gas generation. This mediator absorbs or reacts with the peroxide decomposition products, eliminating the harmful off-gassing effect while preserving the whitening function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful off-gassing effect into a beneficial stabilization mechanism by using the off-gas reducing agent to capture decomposition products. The harmful oxygen gas that would cause bloating is instead captured and converted into a stable form, transforming a defect into a solution.

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

2Reliability

If hydrogen peroxide is used for teeth whitening, then whitening efficacy is improved, but composition stability deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewhitening efficacyVSAvoidcomposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The off-gas reducing agent serves as a stabilizing intermediary that maintains composition integrity over time. It continuously interacts with hydrogen peroxide to prevent uncontrolled decomposition, thereby preserving both stability and efficacy throughout the product shelf life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the composition by introducing substances that alter the decomposition kinetics of hydrogen peroxide. The off-gas reducing agent changes the reaction parameters to favor stable storage conditions while maintaining whitening activity when applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If high levels of peroxide are used initially, then immediate whitening effect is improved, but peroxide decomposes over time reducing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmediate whitening effectVSAvoidperoxide durability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The off-gas reducing agent enables continuous stabilization of hydrogen peroxide throughout the storage period. This ensures that the peroxide remains active and effective from initial application through the entire shelf life, maintaining continuous whitening potential without significant degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The reducing agent acts as a protective intermediary that shields hydrogen peroxide from premature decomposition. It allows the peroxide to remain stable during storage while remaining bioavailable for whitening action when the product is used, bridging the gap between storage stability and operational efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively reduces or eliminates off-gas production, enhancing the stability and longevity of the oral care composition, ensuring consistent whitening efficacy and preventing container leakage.

Implementation Method 1

a whitening complex comprising cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone complexed with hydrogen peroxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComplexation:

Implementation Method 2

an off-gas reducing agent selected from sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, citric acid and clay... minimize and/or eliminate off-gas production from the oral composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction with peroxide decomposition products:

Data Source

PatentUS10744076B2Oral care compositions and methods of use
Publication Date: 2020.08.18 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO

AI summary

Disclosed herein are non-aqueous dentifrice compositions comprising (i) a whitening complex comprising crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone complexed with hydrogen peroxide; (ii) an off-gas reducing agent selected from sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, citric acid and clay; and (iii) an orally acceptable carrier. Methods of making and using the compositions are also provided.