Chewing Gum Coating via Particulate Application
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing processes for chewing gum, particularly those using syrups for coating, are complex, time-intensive, and costly, leading to poor organoleptic qualities due to the rapid dissolution of small powdered sugar or polyol particles, and result in a short-lived flavor perception.
Innovation Solution
A process where particles of a coating substance, such as sugars or polyols, are applied in particulate form directly to the gum core using hot water to create a strong bond, eliminating the need for syrups and ensuring better adherence and longer-lasting flavor release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If syrup is used for coating chewing gum cores, then the coating process can be performed, but the process becomes complex and time-intensive requiring multiple cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the syrup component from the coating process, replacing it with direct application of powdered sugar or polyol particles. This removes the complexity of syrup preparation, application, and drying cycles while achieving effective coating through particle adhesion alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple powdered coating substances that can be directly applied without requiring complex syrup formulations. The coating material itself serves as both the adhesive and the coating layer, eliminating the need for separate binding agents and reducing process steps.
2Reliability
If syrup is used for coating chewing gum cores, then the coating can be applied, but the manufacturing time and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the time-consuming syrup application and drying steps by directly applying powdered coating material to the gum cores. The particles adhere through simple mechanical means without requiring evaporation or drying cycles, dramatically reducing manufacturing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating process becomes continuous as powdered particles are applied directly to the cores without interruption for drying cycles. The adhesion occurs immediately upon contact, allowing continuous processing rather than batch-wise operation with multiple cycles.
3Ease of manufacture
If powdered sugar or polyol particles are used for coating, then the coating can be applied simply, but the particles dissolve rapidly causing short-lived flavor perception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the coating material by using larger particle sizes and specific crystal structures of sugar or polyol. These parameter changes slow down the dissolution rate during chewing, extending flavor release while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite coating structures where powdered particles are applied in specific configurations or combined with other materials to control dissolution rate. This creates a coating that dissolves gradually, extending flavor perception while keeping the manufacturing process simple.
4Duration of action of moving object
If larger particles are used for coating, then flavor release is sustained longer, but the coating adherence may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes particle size parameters to find the optimal balance between adherence and sustained release. By carefully controlling particle dimensions and surface properties, the coating adheres effectively while dissolving slowly to provide extended flavor.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies coating particles with specific local characteristics to different areas of the gum core. Larger particles may be used in areas where sustained release is prioritized, while smaller particles ensure adequate adherence, creating a differentiated coating structure.
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
This process results in chewing gum with improved organoleptic qualities, increased coating adherence, reduced manufacturing complexity and costs, and enhanced productivity by using larger particles that provide a more sustained flavor experience.
Implementation Method 1
particles of a coating substance are applied in particulate form directly to the gum core using hot water to create a strong bond
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing chewing gum, which said chewing gum comprises a core formed by at least one gum base and at least one sweetener. Said process comprises the steps of: a) mixing said gum base with at least one sweetener; b) processing said formulation to obtain a plurality of cores; c) placing said cores in contact with a quantity of water sufficient to wet at least the outer surface of each core; and d) coating the wetted outer surface of each core with a coating substance in particulate form.