3D Edible Object on Chewing Gum for Rapid Flavor Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chewing gum products face challenges in rapidly releasing components like flavors and actives due to the gum base trapping them, and existing solutions require mastication for release, which is not efficient.
Innovation Solution
A chewing gum product with a three-dimensional, edible object secured to its surface, using a meltable polymeric binder and encapsulated deliverable components that disintegrate quickly in saliva to release flavors and actives rapidly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encapsulating components or incorporating them into an outer coating is used, then component delivery is improved, but the release speed remains slow and requires mastication
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the chewing gum into two distinct parts: a gum base and a separate three-dimensional object containing the deliverable component. This segmentation allows the component to be isolated in a disintegrable object rather than trapped within the gum base matrix, enabling rapid release when the object dissolves in saliva without requiring mastication of the entire gum product.
Solution Approach 2:
The deliverable component is extracted from the gum base and placed into a separate three-dimensional object that is secured to the gum base surface. This extraction allows the component to be delivered rapidly through saliva dissolution of the object, bypassing the need for mastication that would be required if the component were embedded in the gum base.
2Quantity of substance
If components are incorporated into the gum base, then component retention is improved, but component release is restricted and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the system into a gum base phase and a separate three-dimensional object phase. The deliverable component is concentrated in the object rather than distributed in the gum base, allowing the object to serve as a dedicated delivery vehicle that rapidly releases components through saliva dissolution while the gum base remains for chewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-dimensional object acts as an intermediary carrier between the gum base and the deliverable component. It secures to the gum base surface, provides a controlled environment for the deliverable component, and enables rapid release through saliva dissolution, mediating between component retention and rapid release requirements.
3Speed
If a three-dimensional disintegrable object is added to the gum surface, then rapid component release is improved, but product complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional object functions as a thin film or shell structure that dissolves rapidly in saliva. This flexible, disintegrable structure provides a simple yet effective mechanism for rapid component release without requiring complex mechanical or chemical systems, balancing enhanced delivery speed with manufacturing simplicity.
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 enables rapid and efficient delivery of flavors and actives without mastication, providing a distinct sensory experience and allowing for the reuse of the gum base by disintegrating the object within 90 seconds, ensuring effective release and reprocessing of the gum base.
Implementation Method 1
the object disintegrate in the mouth of the user, thereby releasing the flavor
Implementation Method 2
using a meltable polymeric binder and encapsulated deliverable components that disintegrate quickly in saliva
Data Source
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AI summary
An edible product and method for making an edible product including a core composition having at least one outer surface and at least one edible, three dimensional object secured to the at least one outer surface, where the object includes a binder material and a deliverable component selected from the group consisting of flavors, colors, sweeteners, actives, sensates, effervescent components, and combinations thereof. Also, a method for delivery of at least one deliverable component including placing such products in the mouth of a user and releasing the deliverable component from the edible, three dimensional object.