Dispersion Dosing Container Preservation Using Oxidizing Gas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dosing systems for dispersions face challenges in preventing microbial contamination over long periods without using preservatives, as they either require high concentrations of harmful preservatives or are not easily refilled and adjusted for accurate dosing.

Innovation Solution

Introduce an oxidizing agent, such as ozone, into the container of a dosing system to preserve dispersions by periodically adding it to the container, ensuring protection against microbial growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional preservatives (isothiazolinones, formaldehyde releasers) are added to prevent microbial contamination, then protection against fungal and bacterial growth is achieved, but the preservative concentration exceeds tolerable limits in aqueous coating systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against microbial contaminationVSAvoidpreservative concentration in dispersion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful preservatives are extracted from the dispersion system entirely. Instead of adding conventional preservatives to the dispersion, the invention introduces an oxidizing agent into the gas space above the dispersion, eliminating the need for preservative additives in the coating formulation while maintaining microbial protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

An oxidizing agent serves as an intermediary substance that protects the dispersion from microbial contamination without being part of the dispersion itself. The oxidizing agent is introduced into the gas space above the dispersion and acts as a barrier against microbial infestation, allowing the dispersion to remain preservative-free.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If water- and gas-tight bags are used to prevent microbial growth in gas space, then protection against contamination is improved, but the system cannot be easily refilled and generates packaging waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against microbial growthVSAvoidrefillability and adaptability of dosing system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The oxidizing agent is introduced into the gas space before microbial contamination can occur, establishing protective conditions in advance. This preliminary action allows the use of open or refillable containers instead of sealed bags, as the oxidizing atmosphere prevents contamination from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dosing system becomes multi-functional by allowing both storage and easy refilling operations. The container serves not only as a storage vessel but also as a refillable reservoir, eliminating the need for disposable bags while maintaining protection against microbial growth through the oxidizing agent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If internal volume of bags shrinks as container is emptied, then prevention of paint drying and microbial growth is achieved, but accurate dosing requires constant adjustment to changing internal pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of paint drying and microbial growthVSAvoidpressure adjustment mechanisms for accurate dosing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oxidizing agent is introduced specifically into the gas space region, creating a localized protective atmosphere where microbial growth would occur. This local treatment prevents contamination and drying without requiring system-wide pressure adjustments, as the protection is confined to the critical gas-liquid interface zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Duration of action of stationary object

If dispersions are stored in containers for several weeks or months, then dosing system functionality is maintained, but microbial contamination by bacteria or fungi occurs without preservatives

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage duration of dispersionVSAvoidprotection against microbial contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The oxidizing agent can be introduced periodically into the gas space to maintain protective conditions during long-term storage. This periodic reinforcement ensures continuous protection against microbial contamination over weeks or months without requiring preservatives in the dispersion itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 method provides long-lasting protection against fungal and bacterial contamination, allowing for preservative-free storage of dispersions for several years with minimal resource consumption and effective microbial inhibition.

Implementation Method 1

the oxidizing agent introduced into the container appears to provide complete protection against microbial infestation by killing microbes such as fungi and bacteria

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP4684810A1Method for conserving a dispersion in a dosing system and dosing system
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 BRILLUX GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4684810A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4684810A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4684810A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for preserving a dispersion in a dosing system is presented and described, wherein the dispersion is stored in a container (1, 101, 201) which is part of the dosing system, and an oxidizing agent is introduced into the container (1, 101, 201). Furthermore, a dosing system designed for this method and the use of an oxidizing agent for preserving dispersions are described.