Eyelid Scrub Composition pH Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eyelid cleansers often irritate sensitive eye tissue due to abnormal pH levels and the use of traditional pH adjusters, which are not suitable for antimicrobial applications around the eyes.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), 1,2-hexanediol, and a pH stabilizing surfactant solution, such as cocoamphodiacetate disodium, polyoxyethylene 80 sorbitan monolaurate, and decyl polyglucoside, that controls the pH between 5.5 and 7.5, eliminating the need for traditional pH adjusters and enhancing cleansing ability through foaming capability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional pH adjusters (acids or bases) are used to control pH level, then pH control is achieved, but eye irritation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepH level controlVSAvoideye irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical nature of pH-adjusting agents from traditional strong acids/bases to weak acidifiers and weak alkalizers that operate within a safe pH range of 4.0-7.0, thereby maintaining pH stability without causing eye irritation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces buffering agents (phosphates, citrates, borates) as intermediaries that gently regulate pH levels through reversible acid-base equilibria, avoiding the direct irritation caused by strong acids or bases while maintaining effective antimicrobial activity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If antimicrobial agents are used to kill bacteria, then bacterial infection is prevented, but eye irritation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantimicrobial effectivenessVSAvoideye irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple mild antimicrobial agents (polyaminopropyl biguanide, polyhexamethylene biguanide, zinc undecylenate) with buffering agents and moisturizers to create a composite formulation that achieves reliable antimicrobial protection while maintaining physiological compatibility and reducing irritation through synergistic effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different functional components at optimized concentrations specifically suited for the delicate eyelid environment, with antimicrobial agents concentrated at the active site while buffering and moisturizing components are distributed to maintain overall formulation safety and comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If simple skin cleansers are used on eyelids, then cleansing is provided, but pH imbalance occurs causing irritation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleansing abilityVSAvoidpH balance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional composition that simultaneously provides cleansing through surfactants, pH regulation through buffering agents, antimicrobial protection through biocides, and moisturization through emollients, making it universally suitable for the sensitive eyelid area while maintaining physiological pH balance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively kills bacteria while being minimally irritating to the eyes, providing a synergistic antimicrobial effect and improved cleansing ability without the irritation associated with traditional pH adjusters.

Implementation Method 1

a pH stabilizing surfactant solution present in an amount effective to control the pH level of the composition between 5.5 and 7.5

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectpH stabilization:

Implementation Method 2

the foaming capability of the surfactant solution included in the composition increases its cleansing ability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoaming: Foam

Implementation Method 3

The composition comprises polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntimicrobial action:

Data Source

PatentEP2086498B1Eyelid scrub composition
Publication Date: 2014.01.08 OCUSOFT INC
  • EP2086498B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

An eyelid scrub composition comprising polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and a pH stabilizing surfactant solution present in an amount effective to control the pH level of the composition between 5.5 and 7.5. The composition can further comprise moisturizers and foam stabilizers. The composition can be combined with a fabric pad for use as an eyelid scrub, where the fabric pad is pre-moistened with the composition and packaged for use. The composition may be applied to the eyelid scrub and rubbed to induce foaming. The composition is produced by preparing a modified Ringer's solution and adding 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and an effective amount of one or more pH stabilizing surfactants. The mixture is then heated and allowed to cool before polyhexamethylene biguanide is added.