Effervescent Granules Density Control for Dissolution Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Effervescent tablets and granules take too long to dissolve in cold water, leading to consumer dissatisfaction, while powders and granules either effervesce too quickly or float on the surface, causing overflow and rapid dissolution.
Innovation Solution
Developing 'mini-tablets' or granules with a density of 1.1-1.6 g/cc, either through direct formation or grinding of tablets, to achieve controlled effervescence over 30-120 seconds in warm liquids, by selecting specific size ranges through sieving, ensuring rapid yet sustained dissolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If effervescent tablets are formulated to provide extended visual interest, then effervescence duration increases, but dissolution time exceeds consumer satisfaction threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The effervescent tablet is divided into multiple effervescent particles or granules embedded within the tablet matrix. This segmentation allows the tablet to effervesce through multiple discrete reactions rather than a single prolonged reaction, maintaining consumer interest while reducing total dissolution time to under 2.5 minutes.
2Loss of time
If granules are used to reduce dissolution time, then effervescence speed increases, but effervescence duration becomes too short for consumer interest
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple effervescent particles are combined within a single tablet structure. This merging allows the tablet to benefit from the rapid dissolution characteristics of granules while the collective effervescence of multiple particles provides extended visual interest and longer effervescence duration.
3Productivity
If powders are used to achieve rapid dissolution, then dissolution speed increases, but powders float on water surface causing overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The effervescent particles are encapsulated within a tablet matrix structure that acts as a containment shell. This shell prevents the particles from floating on the water surface like loose powders, while still allowing rapid dissolution and effervescence to occur as the tablet contacts water.
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 high-density mini-tablets and granules provide a controlled effervescence duration, ensuring consumer satisfaction by dissolving within the desired time frame of 30-120 seconds in warm liquids, while maintaining stability and preventing overflow, even in cold water.
Implementation Method 1
anhydrous products are prepared which, when introduced into a body of water—whether it be a glass or bathtub or something in between, effervesce to release carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
products in granular and powder forms have problems though. Granules effervesce very quickly and do not provide extended visual interest. Powders tend to float on the water's surface, and if added to bottled water, can cause the water to overflow the container
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides an effervescent solid form that dissolves in cold water quickly enough to not disappoint consumers yet not so quickly that the visual interest generated during the effervescent reaction is lost. This performance is achieved by forming effervescent particles that are dense enough to retard dissolution and small enough to not take too long to dissolve. The aim of this invention is to provide a beverage in solid effervescent form that takes between about 30 and about 120 seconds to dissolve in warm water. The granules may carry functional additives such as flavors, vitamins, minerals, sweeteners, colors and drugs. The granules may also be compounded of materials intended to provide relief from skin or topical discomfort, as in the form of a wash or bath additive. The granules may also be formulated to provide cleaning agents, such as ceramic cleaners and denture cleaners.