Sprayable Emulsion Viscosity Control for Uniform Skin Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing topical treatments for skin conditions such as rashes, ulcers, and wounds face challenges with viscosity issues, leading to uneven application and discomfort, as well as settling of active agent particles in sprayable compositions, resulting in clogging and ineffective delivery.
Innovation Solution
A sprayable emulsion comprising a hydrofluoro-based propellant, an emulsification system with nonionic emulsifiers, and active agent particles, with controlled viscosity and hydrophilic to lipophilic balance, preventing settling and ensuring a uniform, stable distribution for even application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the viscosity of the sprayable composition is increased to prevent running and improve coating uniformity, then the composition can coat the skin more effectively, but it becomes difficult to spray due to valve and nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the viscosity of the sprayable composition to fall within a specific range (500-10,000 centipoise). This optimized viscosity parameter enables the composition to be sprayed effectively through valves and nozzles while maintaining sufficient thickness to coat the skin uniformly without running. The emulsion formulation and propellant selection are adjusted to achieve this critical viscosity window that balances sprayability and coating quality.
2Ease of operation
If the viscosity of the sprayable composition is decreased to improve sprayability and prevent clogging, then the composition can be sprayed more easily, but it becomes too runny to coat the skin evenly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by establishing a minimum viscosity threshold of 500 centipoise. This parameter change ensures the composition maintains sufficient body to coat the skin evenly and form a uniform protective layer, while still being fluid enough to spray through the dispenser mechanism without clogging valves or nozzles.
3Reliability
If oil-based protectants or barrier creams are applied to block moisture from reaching the skin, then moisture barrier protection is achieved, but the products are very viscous and greasy, causing difficulty in removal and potential discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by formulating the composition as a sprayable emulsion with controlled viscosity (500-10,000 centipoise), which is significantly less viscous than traditional oil-based barrier creams. This parameter change allows the product to be sprayed easily and absorbed quickly, eliminating the greasy residue and application discomfort associated with conventional oil-based protectants while maintaining effective moisture barrier protection through the active agent particles.
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 provides a stable, evenly sprayed emulsion that maintains active agent particles in suspension, preventing clogging and ensuring a uniform coating on the skin, enhancing treatment efficacy and application comfort.
Implementation Method 1
sprayable compositions are formulated to have a low viscosity to allow for spraying
Implementation Method 2
use an active agent in conjunction with a propellant to create a sprayable composition
Implementation Method 3
The emulsion includes a hydrofluoro-based propellant, an emulsification system, an oil phase, a water phase, and active agent particles
Implementation Method 4
an emulsification system including at least one nonionic emulsifier
Implementation Method 5
the sprayable emulsion has a viscosity ranging from about 500 centipoise to about 10,000 centipoise
Implementation Method 6
the active agents of the sprayable compositions are particulate-based and often settle to the bottom of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A sprayable emulsion is provided. The emulsion can be used in the treatment of various skin conditions. The emulsion includes a hydrofluoro-based propellant, an emulsification system, an oil phase, a water phase, and active agent particles. Further, the emulsification system includes at least one nonionic emulsifier. The emulsion has a viscosity ranging from about 500 centipoise to about 10,000 centipoise and a hydrophilic to lipophilic balance (HLB) value of from about 2 to about 12. The present inventors have found that by selectively controlling the nature of the emulsification system and the viscosity of the emulsion, the active agent particles resist settling such that a substantially homogeneous distribution of the active agent particles is maintained and can be evenly sprayed onto a surface without running once applied.