Hydroalcoholic Gel Dispenser Nozzle Clogging Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydroalcoholic gel compositions often clog dispenser nozzles, leading to mis-directed product output, causing damage and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hydroalcoholic gel composition combining C1-4 alcohols, polyacrylate thickeners, and a plug-preventing additive, such as esters with two to six ester groups or polymeric esters, is formulated to reduce coagulated gel deposits and mis-directed output when stored in pump-type dispensers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hydroalcoholic gel is formulated with polyacrylate thickener to achieve desired viscosity and dispensing characteristics, then the gel provides adequate thickness and flow control, but the gel coagulates and clogs dispenser nozzles over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plug-preventing additive as an intermediary substance that mediates between the polyacrylate thickener and the dispenser nozzle. This additive prevents direct contact and adhesion between the coagulating gel and the nozzle interior surface, thereby preventing clogging while maintaining the gel's viscous properties for proper dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the harmful coagulated gel deposits from the dispensing system by using a plug-preventing additive that interferes with the adhesion mechanism. The additive creates a protective barrier that prevents gel coagulation products from forming on the nozzle, effectively removing the clogging issue from the system.
2Ease of operation
If the gel is stored in a pump-type dispenser to enable periodic dispensing, then the dispenser provides controlled and convenient product delivery, but the gel accumulates and forms coagulated deposits in the dispenser chamber and nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The plug-preventing additive is incorporated into the gel formulation in advance, before the gel is stored in the dispenser. This preliminary addition ensures that the additive is already present to prevent coagulation and deposit formation from the moment the gel is dispensed, preventing the harmful effect before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug-preventing additive serves as a protective intermediary between the gel and the dispenser components. It creates a barrier layer that prevents direct adhesion between the gel and the dispenser chamber or nozzle surfaces, thereby preventing deposit accumulation while allowing the pump mechanism to operate normally.
3Productivity
If the gel is dispensed periodically as intended, then the dispenser functions as designed for controlled product delivery, but mis-directed output occurs when nozzles become partially blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The plug-preventing additive acts as a protective intermediary that maintains smooth gel flow through the nozzle by preventing coagulated deposits from forming on the nozzle interior. This ensures the nozzle remains clear and functional, preventing mis-directed output while maintaining efficient periodic dispensing operation.
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 significantly reduces the frequency of nozzle clogging and mis-directed output, ensuring more efficient and accurate dispensing of the product.
Implementation Method 1
an effective amount of a polyacrylate thickener
Implementation Method 2
the coagulation of gel creating a deposit on the nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
A hydroalcoholic gel composition includes greater than about 40 weight percent of an alcohol, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition, a polyacrylate thickener, and an ester plug-preventing agent. The composition is suitable for use in dispensers, and exhibits reduced mis-directed output when the dispenser is actuated.