Depilatory Composition Heat Retention via Phase Change Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current depilatory creams require long application times to achieve complete hair removal, as they lose heat quickly, reducing their efficacy in hair removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A depilatory composition that includes phase changing materials, micro-encapsulated phase changing materials, or silica-based insulators, combined with vinylpyrrolidone/hexadecane co-polymers, fatty acids, and surfactants, which are heated to maintain a temperature of 40° C.-60° C. for improved heat retention and cooling profiles, allowing for more efficient hair removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If depilatory cream is applied at room temperature, then it can be stored and handled easily, but it loses heat quickly during application reducing hair removal efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates phase change materials (paraffin wax, microencapsulated phase change materials) that undergo phase transitions at specific temperatures. These materials absorb heat during melting and release it during solidification, maintaining the cream's temperature within the optimal 20-40°C range throughout the application period, thereby preventing rapid heat loss and maintaining hair removal efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite formulation combining depilatory active ingredients with thermal insulation materials (paraffin wax, microencapsulated phase change materials, and other insulators). This composite structure provides both the chemical functionality for hair removal and the thermal properties needed to retain heat, resolving the contradiction between heat retention and treatment effectiveness.
2Loss of energy
If depilatory cream is heated to maintain temperature, then heat retention improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change materials in the formulation automatically regulate temperature through phase transitions without requiring external energy input. When the cream cools below the phase change temperature, the materials solidify and release stored latent heat, maintaining the cream's temperature passively throughout the application period without additional energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal regulation system is self-contained within the cream formulation itself. The phase change materials and insulators work autonomously to maintain temperature, eliminating the need for external heating devices or continuous energy input, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining heat retention.
3Productivity
If depilatory cream contains more active ingredients, then hair removal efficacy improves, but skin irritation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration and composition of active ingredients within specific ranges (e.g., thioglycolates at 5-20%, hydroxides at 1-6%) to achieve effective hair removal while minimizing skin irritation. The controlled release of active ingredients facilitated by the thermal regulation system also allows lower concentrations to be effective over extended application times, reducing irritation risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal regulation system maintains the cream at optimal temperature throughout the entire application period, ensuring continuous and uniform action of the active ingredients. This eliminates the need for higher concentrations that would be required if the cream cooled rapidly, as the sustained thermal energy enables consistent chemical activity at lower, less irritating concentrations.
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 composition retains heat for up to 15 minutes, maintaining effective hair removal efficacy and reducing application time, as demonstrated by in-vitro tests showing increased hair removal rates and improved sensory feel for consumers.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention is directed to a depilatory composition that comprises a material which enables the composition to retain heat for better hair removal efficacy
Implementation Method 2
phase changing materials, micro-encapsulated phase changing materials
Implementation Method 3
silica-based insulators, and silicate-based insulators
Implementation Method 4
applying heat to a depilatory composition which comprises a combination of components selected from the group consisting of saturated hydrocarbons, vinylpyrrolidone/hexadecane co-polymers, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, esters, and surfactants
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a depilatory composition which comprises a depilatory active and at least one material which alters the thermal properties of the composition by either having a higher heat of fusion or a lower thermal conductivity than the bulk.