Diethyl Ether Gel for Prolonged Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing topical cooling methods for musculoskeletal pain, such as ice sprays and gels, face challenges including irreversible tissue damage from inaccurate dosing and short-lasting pain relief due to rapid evaporation, and environmental concerns from hydrofluoralkane propellants.
Innovation Solution
A gel or microemulsion formulation comprising water, diethyl ether, and ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vinylpyrrolidone copolymer, which uses diethyl ether for rapid cooling and dimethyl ether as a propellant to maintain matrix structure and extend cooling duration, minimizing tissue damage and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If ice spray is used for cold anesthesia, then immediate pain relief is achieved, but tissue damage occurs due to difficulty in exact dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gel matrix as an intermediary carrier that contains the volatile solvent (diethyl ether) and active pharmaceutical ingredients. This gel matrix mediates between the cooling effect and the skin, allowing controlled release and preventing direct, uncontrolled contact that causes tissue damage. The gel acts as a buffer that moderates the interaction between the volatile components and the skin surface.
2Speed
If volatile solvents are used in aerosol for rapid evaporation, then cooling effect is achieved, but the effect is short-lasting due to immediate evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a continuous cooling action by having the gel matrix continuously release the volatile solvent (diethyl ether) over time. The gel structure maintains a reservoir of the volatile component that evaporates progressively, providing sustained cooling rather than a single brief evaporation event. This continuous release mechanism extends the duration of the cooling effect while maintaining therapeutic benefit.
3Reliability
If hydrofluoralkanes are used as propellant in aerosol, then stable aerosol delivery is achieved, but environmental harm occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the propellant parameter from hydrofluoralkanes to a hydrocarbon mixture (propane/butane/isobutane). This parameter change in the propellant composition maintains the necessary aerosol delivery stability and performance while eliminating the environmental harm associated with hydrofluoralkanes. The alternative propellant mixture achieves comparable physical performance without the harmful environmental effects.
4Reliability
If conventional gels are used for topical application, then pain relief is achieved, but it takes 15 to 60 minutes for active ingredients to penetrate skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the volatile solvent (diethyl ether) into the gel matrix in advance, creating a pre-loaded system that immediately begins cooling upon application. The volatile component is already positioned to act on the skin surface, providing immediate cooling effect while the active pharmaceutical ingredients simultaneously begin their penetration process. This preliminary preparation of the gel with volatile solvent eliminates the waiting time for any cooling effect to begin.
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 formulation provides immediate and prolonged cooling effects while reducing the risk of tissue damage and environmental harm, offering a stable and effective topical cooling solution for pain relief.
Implementation Method 1
uses diethyl ether for rapid cooling
Implementation Method 2
The cooling of the tissue causes analgesia through cold anesthesia
Implementation Method 3
ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vinylpyrrolidone copolymer
Implementation Method 4
dimethyl ether as a propellant
Data Source
AI summary
A preparation in the form of a gel or microemulsion comprising water, diethyl ether and ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vinylpyrrolidone copolymer does not show any breakdown of the gel or emulsion structure.