Elastomeric Hollow Perfume Body for Heat-Stable Fragrance Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perfume-containing objects for laundry dryers and dishwashers are not stable under hot, moist conditions, often breaking or crumbling after repeated use, and cannot hold a sufficient quantity of perfume to effectively scent laundry or air.
Innovation Solution
A hollow body made of an elastomeric polymer matrix with 10-75% perfume content by weight, having a volume of 5-8,181 cm^3 and wall thickness of 0.25-20 mm, designed to retain structural integrity and release perfume effectively during multiple cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If high melting temperature carriers are used to prevent liquefaction during drying, then temperature resistance is improved, but perfume incorporation becomes difficult and perfume loss increases due to high processing temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the carrier material from high melting temperature (thermoplastic) to low processing temperature (elastomeric). By using elastomeric polymers that remain stable at drying temperatures without requiring high melting points, the invention enables perfume incorporation at low temperatures, thereby preventing perfume evaporation and chemical degradation while maintaining temperature resistance during the drying process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention accepts that the carrier material (elastomeric polymer object) may be consumed or degraded during the drying process, allowing for disposable use. This approach prioritizes preserving the expensive perfume substance over reusing the carrier, as the carrier can be replaced while the perfume value is maintained.
2Quantity of substance
If objects with high perfume content are produced, then scenting effectiveness is improved, but object stability decreases and objects break or crumble after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system combining elastomeric polymer matrix with high concentrations of perfume oil (10-75 wt%). The elastomeric nature of the polymer provides flexibility and structural integrity even at high perfume loadings, preventing the object from becoming too soft or crumbly. This composite approach allows achieving high perfume content (up to 75 wt%) while maintaining sufficient mechanical stability for repeated use in drying machines.
3Stability of the object's composition
If carriers with high melting temperatures are used, then structural integrity at high temperature is improved, but the carriers must be melted for perfume incorporation which causes perfume evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention fundamentally changes the processing temperature parameter from high (melting point range) to low (room temperature or slightly elevated). By selecting elastomeric polymers that are pliable at low temperatures, the manufacturing process no longer requires melting the carrier material. This allows direct incorporation of perfume at low temperatures, eliminating evaporation losses while maintaining the ability to form stable structural objects.
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 hollow body maintains structural integrity and provides adequate scenting in laundry dryers and dishwashers for extended use, releasing sufficient perfume without damage or loss of fragrance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric, in particular cross-linked, polymer matrix and one or more perfumes stored in the polymer matrix
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a perfume-containing body enclosing a single hollow space on all sides and comprising or consisting ofan elastomeric, in particular cross-linked, polymer matrix andone or more perfumes stored in the polymer matrix in a total quantity of 10-75 wt. %, with reference to the total weight of the hollow body,optionally other substances stored in the polymer matrix,whereinthe hollow body has a total volume of 5-8,181 cm3 at 25° C. and 1,013 mbar,andthe thickness of the wall surrounding the hollow space on all sides at any point is 0.25-20 mm, preferably 0.5-15 mm, particularly preferably 0.75-10 mm, most preferably 1-8 mm.