Epilatory Strip Flow Control via Polyethylene and Silica
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing epilatory compositions in strip form face challenges with flow and leakage under warm ambient conditions, leading to inefficiencies and perceived poor value, as they become too soft and fail to maintain adhesive properties effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a linear polyethylene homopolymer with a molecular weight of 300 to 1000 unified mass units and particulate silica in a rosinous or sugar-based matrix, with a preferred ratio of 6:1 to 6:5, enhances the stability and resistance to flow, improving hair removal efficacy and adhesive properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the epilatory composition is made soft and pliable at ambient temperature to mould closely to the body shape, then the ease of application is improved, but the composition may flow and leak out from between the sheets under warm ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting and controlling the molecular weight of polyethylene (300-1000 unified mass units) and the ratio of silica to polyethylene (6.0:1.0 to 6.0:5.0). These parameter adjustments modify the rheological properties of the composition, enabling it to remain pliable at ambient temperature for easy application while resisting flow under warm conditions. The specific molecular weight range ensures the polyethylene is soft enough to mould to body contours but stable enough to prevent leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining rosinous or sugar-based matrix material with particulate silica and low molecular weight polyethylene. This composite formulation creates a synergistic effect where the matrix provides adhesive properties, silica enhances structural stability and resistance to flow, and polyethylene contributes to pliability and mouldability. The combination allows the composition to simultaneously achieve ease of application and resistance to flow under warm conditions.
2Reliability
If the composition is made soft to mould closely to the body shape, then the adhesive properties are improved, but the composition becomes too soft and flows prior to use under warm conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by optimizing the molecular weight of polyethylene to 300-1000 unified mass units and setting the silica to polyethylene ratio between 6.0:1.0 and 6.0:5.0. These precise parameter controls allow the composition to maintain appropriate softness for adhesive contact with skin and hair while preventing excessive softness that would cause flow. The low molecular weight polyethylene provides sufficient pliability for moulding without compromising shape stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material system combines rosinous or sugar-based matrix, particulate silica, and low molecular weight polyethylene in specific proportions. The matrix material provides the necessary adhesive properties for effective hair removal, while the addition of silica and polyethylene modifies the rheological behavior to prevent flow under warm conditions. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of good adhesion and shape stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If oversized cellophane sheets are used to prevent flow and leakage, then the resistance to flow is improved, but the efficiency in terms of materials and transportation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition parameters - specifically using low molecular weight polyethylene (300-1000 unified mass units) in controlled ratios with silica (6.0:1.0 to 6.0:5.0). These parameter adjustments fundamentally change the flow characteristics of the composition, enabling it to resist flow under warm conditions without requiring oversized packaging. This eliminates the need for excessive cellophane sheet size while maintaining flow resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts what would normally be a harmful property (the softness and flow tendency of the composition under warm conditions) into a beneficial characteristic. By carefully controlling the molecular weight and composition ratios, the softness that could cause leakage is transformed into pliability that enables easy application and moulding to body contours. The composition's natural softness becomes an advantage rather than a disadvantage, eliminating the need for oversized protective packaging.
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 composition remains stable and effective at ambient temperatures, ensuring efficient hair removal with reduced pain and minimal residue, while maintaining shape stability and adhesive properties, even under warm conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the viscoelastic properties of the compositions are important. However this is particularly so in the case of the compositions supplied as strips, since these are applied to the skin at ambient temperature. At ambient temperature the compositions should be soft and pliable, such that they mould closely to the body shape. On the other hand they must not be so soft that they flow prior to use.
Data Source
AI summary
An epilatory composition, substantially provided as flat strips, comprises a gel-like matrix material, for example a rosin-based or sugar-based material and, mixed with the matrix material, a particulate material, for example colloidal particles of fumed silica, and a polyethylene in the form of a homopolymer. The particles reduce the tendency of the epilatory composition to flow, under warm ambient conditions with improved efficacy over known epilatory compositions.