Lollipop Liquid Core Encapsulation via Segmented Shell Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing lollipops with liquid fillings face challenges in securely enclosing the liquid within the sugar-based solid shell due to the introduction of a stick, leading to leakage issues and instability, especially with alcoholic fillings which can evaporate during processing and storage.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the production of a hard candy shell with glycerin and a laminating composition containing ethanol, followed by continuous filling and shaping to create a lollipop with a stick featuring an anchor region for secure anchoring, ensuring tight sealing and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the stick is pressed deeply into the sugar shell to reach the liquid center for secure anchoring, then the stick is firmly anchored, but the liquid filling leaks out through the insertion point
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the shell material into two distinct layers: an outer hardened shell layer and an inner soft shell layer. The stick passes through both layers, with the soft inner layer providing sealing around the stick to prevent leakage, while the hardened outer layer provides structural strength. This segmentation allows the stick to be firmly anchored without creating leakage paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the shell have different mechanical properties tailored to their specific functions. The outer shell layer is hardened to provide structural integrity and protection, while the inner shell layer remains soft to provide sealing and flexibility around the stick insertion point. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between anchoring strength and leakage prevention.
2Reliability
If the shell is made thick enough to allow deep stick insertion without reaching the center, then the liquid center remains enclosed, but the stick cannot be securely anchored
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is segmented into two functional layers with different thicknesses and properties. The outer hardened layer provides the necessary thickness for structural integrity, while the inner soft layer is positioned at the insertion point to provide sealing and anchoring support. This segmentation allows adequate shell thickness without compromising stick anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell is constructed as a composite structure combining hardened shell material and soft shell material. This composite approach allows the outer layer to provide structural strength and protection, while the inner layer provides sealing and anchoring functions, resolving the contradiction between containment reliability and anchoring strength.
3Reliability
If the stick is inserted only into the hard sugar shell without reaching the center, then the liquid center remains enclosed, but the stick insertion depth is insufficient for secure anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The shell structure is segmented into outer hardened layer and inner soft layer, with the stick penetrating both. The inner soft layer is positioned to provide adequate insertion depth for anchoring while maintaining the sealed enclosure of the liquid center. This segmentation enables sufficient anchoring depth without compromising liquid containment.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the shell material contracts during cooling and solidification, then the lollipop solidifies properly, but the stick becomes loosely embedded and can slip out
Solution Approach 1:
The inner shell layer maintains softness at the stick insertion point even after cooling and solidification. This local softness compensates for the overall contraction of the shell material during cooling, ensuring the stick remains firmly embedded while the rest of the lollipop solidifies properly.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of hardened outer layer and soft inner layer allows differential response to cooling. The outer layer contracts and solidifies to provide structural stability, while the inner layer remains softer to maintain firm embedding of the stick, resolving the contradiction between solidification stability and embedding strength.
5Stability of the object's composition
If the shell material contracts during cooling, then the lollipop solidifies, but the exit channel between core and outside is enlarged facilitating liquid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The inner soft shell layer at the insertion point maintains its sealing properties despite overall shell contraction during cooling. This local softness prevents the formation or enlargement of exit channels, maintaining liquid containment reliability while allowing proper solidification of the rest of the lollipop.
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 method allows for the stable encapsulation of liquids, including alcohol, within the lollipop shell, preventing leakage and maintaining alcohol content throughout storage and consumption, while enabling higher filling volumes and variability in liquid types.
Implementation Method 1
The lollipop is then solidified by cooling. However, the lollipops produced by this method do not exhibit sufficient tightness at the point where the stick is inserted. Materials typically contract slightly during cooling and solidification
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a novel process for producing a lollipop with a liquid core and a stick, and to the lollipops obtainable by this process.