Freshening Composition Modulators for Two-Stage Fragrance Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air care products fail to provide a controlled and customizable release of freshening compositions, leading to inadequate fragrance burst and longevity, residual product, and the use of undesirable solvents like glycol ethers.
Innovation Solution
A freshening composition comprising perfume raw materials and fragrance release modulators, such as alcohols and silicon solvents, with specific physical properties to achieve a two-stage release profile without heating, ensuring initial fragrance burst and steady-state fragrance delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wicking air care products are used, then fragrance delivery is achieved, but the release rate is uncontrolled and lacks customization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of the composition, specifically the vapor pressure of the solvent and the concentration of fragrance materials. By adjusting these parameters, the release rate can be controlled and customized without changing the device structure. The composition includes solvents with vapor pressures between 0.01-10 mmHg at 25°C, which allows tuning of the evaporation rate and thus the fragrance release rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple components in a specific formulation: fragrance materials (0.1-50 wt%), solvents with controlled vapor pressure (50-90 wt%), and optional co-solvents or additives (5-49.9 wt%). This composite composition allows control over the release profile, enabling both initial fragrance burst and sustained release without requiring complex device mechanisms.
2Illumination intensity
If high fragrance concentration is used, then strong fragrance burst is achieved, but longevity is reduced due to rapid evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the vapor pressure parameter of the solvent system. By selecting solvents with vapor pressures between 0.01-10 mmHg at 25°C (such as isoparaffins, glycol ethers, or silicones), the composition achieves a balance where fragrance materials are released at a controlled rate. This allows both strong initial fragrance perception and extended longevity, as the lower vapor pressure prevents rapid evaporation while still allowing sufficient release for fragrance burst.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite composition combines fragrance materials with specific solvents and optional co-solvents in optimized ratios. The solvent system acts as a reservoir that controls the availability of fragrance materials for evaporation. This composition structure enables the fragrance to be delivered at adequate concentrations for strong perception while the solvent matrix regulates the release rate to extend longevity.
3Ease of manufacture
Ifundesirable solvents like glycol ethers are used, then cost-effective formulation is achieved, but harmful effects are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing undesirable solvents (such as glycol ethers with high vapor pressures and strong odors) from the formulation and replacing them with alternative solvents that have desirable properties. The replacement solvents include isoparaffins, other glycol ethers with controlled vapor pressures, or silicones, which provide the necessary formulation performance without the harmful effects of rapid evaporation and unpleasant odors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, long-lasting but undesirable solvents with more cost-effective alternatives that achieve the desired performance through optimized composition ratios. By using solvents with controlled vapor pressures and adjusting the fragrance-to-solvent ratio, the formulation achieves cost-effectiveness without compromising performance or introducing harmful effects.
4Productivity
If heating devices are used to enhance fragrance release, then evaporation rate is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by formulating the composition to self-regulate its release rate based on environmental conditions. The solvent system with controlled vapor pressure (0.01-10 mmHg at 25°C) naturally controls the evaporation rate without requiring external heating. The composition adapts to ambient temperature and humidity, providing consistent fragrance release without energy input, thus eliminating the need for heating devices while maintaining productivity.
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 delivers a controlled and customizable fragrance release, providing a strong initial impression and long-lasting scent without residual product and undesirable solvent effects.
Implementation Method 1
the modulator is a volatile material having a vapor pressure from about 0.01 mmHg to about 10 mmHg at 25° C.
Implementation Method 2
modulating the release of a freshening composition or of a component thereof
Implementation Method 3
Wicking, also known as wicking process, refers to a spontaneous transport of a liquid through a porous medium as a result of capillary suction taking place at liquid-gas interfaces at the surface or within the porous medium.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to freshening compositions, devices comprising same and methods of using and manufacturing same. A freshening composition of the present invention comprises (i) from about 0.1 wt % to about 95 wt % perfume raw material and (ii) from about 0.01 wt % to about 90 wt % fragrance release modulator. Some freshening compositions further comprise a solvent and/or an ingredient having a functional activity. Disclosed are passive and active air or surface freshening devices comprising a freshening composition that allow controlled and customized release of the freshening composition or of a component thereof into or onto an environment. The addition of a fragrance release modulator to formulate a freshening composition of the present invention allows for modulation of the release of the freshening composition or of a component thereof.