HFO-1234 Propellant Pepper Spray Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pepper spray formulations face challenges with flammable hydrocarbon and chlorofluorocarbon propellants, which pose risks to the ozone layer and contribute to global warming, necessitating a non-flammable, non-ozone depleting, and low global warming potential alternative.
Innovation Solution
A pepper spray composition using hydrofluoroolefin (HFO-1234) as a propellant, combined with a compatibilizer system including non-ionic and ionic surfactants, and a solvent like trans-1233zd, to create a stable and effective aerosol spray that is environmentally friendly and suitable for self-protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hydrocarbon propellants are used in pepper spray formulations, then the spray can be effectively propelled, but the formulation becomes flammable posing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the propellant system by replacing flammable hydrocarbons with non-flammable HFO-1234 and HCFO-1233zd, fundamentally altering the safety profile while maintaining propulsive function. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by eliminating flammability without sacrificing spray delivery effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a propellant system that prioritizes safety over long-term stability, using HFO-1234 which has a short atmospheric lifetime and decomposes rapidly, thereby eliminating persistent environmental hazards and flammability risks associated with traditional propellants.
2Speed
If chlorofluorocarbon propellants are used in pepper spray formulations, then the spray can be effectively propelled, but the formulation depletes the ozone layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting CFC propellants with HFO-1234 and HCFO-1233zd, which have zero ozone depletion potential. This parameter change eliminates ozone layer harm while preserving the propulsive function needed for effective spray delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful CFC propellants into beneficial HFO/HCFO alternatives that not only eliminate ozone depletion but also provide additional benefits of non-flammability and low global warming potential, turning a harmful substitution into a multi-benefit solution.
3Speed
If HFC-134a propellant is used in pepper spray formulations, then the spray can be effectively propelled, but the formulation contributes to global warming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the global warming potential parameter by replacing HFC-134a (GWP=1300) with HFO-1234 and HCFO-1233zd, which have significantly lower GWP values. This parameter change reduces climate impact while maintaining the propulsive effectiveness required for functional spray delivery.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a non-flammable, non-ozone depleting propellant is used, then environmental safety is improved, but the stability and uniform dispersion of pepper oil becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces HCFO-1233zd as an intermediary co-propellant that acts as a bridge between the HFO-1234 propellant and the pepper oil active ingredient. This intermediary substance facilitates stable mixing and uniform dispersion of pepper oil, resolving the stability problem that would otherwise result from using environmentally safe propellants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite propellant system combining HFO-1234 and HCFO-1233zd in specific proportions, where the two components work synergistically to provide both environmental safety and formulation stability. This composite approach allows the mixture to maintain uniform pepper oil dispersion while preserving the beneficial environmental properties of both individual components.
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, non-flammable pepper spray with reduced ozone depletion and global warming impact, ensuring effective repulsion or incapacitation of targets while maintaining environmental safety.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention is directed to spray formulations for repelling and/or temporarily incapacitating a target. The formulations comprise a pepper extract and a propellant with a compatibilizer system... allows a highly stable spray... suitable for use in an aerosol spray
Implementation Method 2
difficulties in obtaining a stable, uniform dispersion of the pepper oil... a propellant, wherein the propellant comprises HFO-1234; and (c) a compatibilizer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a pepper spray composition comprising: (a) a chemical irritant; (b) a propellant, wherein the propellant comprises transHFO-1234ze; (c) a solvent, wherein said solvent comprises transHFO-1233zd; and (d) a non- ionic surfactant and/or an ionic surfactant.