Low VOC Liquid Perfume Formulation for Evaporative Diffusers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alcohol-based perfume formulations for evaporative diffusers are limited by high flammability, high volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, and regulatory restrictions, making them difficult to export and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A novel liquid perfume formulation with a VOC content of 18% or less by weight, comprising a blend of essence, isopropyl alcohol, and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, which reduces VOC emissions while maintaining fragrance diffusion capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If alcohol-based formulations are used, then evaporation characteristics and essence integration are improved, but flammability and VOC emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing alcohol with isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate esters, which have different evaporation rates and non-flammable properties. This parameter change maintains essential evaporation characteristics while eliminating flammability and reducing VOC emissions below 18g/L
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses readily available ester compounds that are cost-effective and can be easily sourced, replacing expensive alternative solvents while achieving the desired non-flammable, low-VOC formulation
2Use of energy by moving object
If alcohol-based formulations are used, then evaporation characteristics are improved, but VOC emissions and regulatory compliance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the formulation by using ester-based solvents with controlled volatility, achieving VOC emissions of 18g/L or less while preserving appropriate evaporation characteristics for effective fragrance diffusion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of high VOC emissions into a benefit by carefully selecting ester compounds that provide controlled, low-level VOC release, ensuring compliance with international regulations while maintaining effective fragrance performance
3Object-affected harmful factors
If alternative solvents to alcohol are used, then flammability and VOC emissions are reduced, but cost and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs commercially available isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate esters that are cost-effective and easily obtained from standard chemical suppliers, avoiding the need for expensive or difficult-to-source alternative solvents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solvent system combining isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate esters, which together provide the desired non-flammable properties, low VOC emissions, and appropriate evaporation characteristics while remaining cost-effective and easy to manufacture
4Quantity of substance
If alcohol concentration is increased to maintain fragrance intensity, then aroma diffusion is improved, but flammability and VOC emissions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent type from alcohol to esters, which have different volatility profiles. This allows achieving effective aroma diffusion through controlled evaporation of the ester-based formulation without the high VOC emissions associated with alcohol
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replicates the essential function of alcohol-based formulations (aroma diffusion through evaporation) using ester-based solvents, achieving similar performance without the harmful side effects of high VOC emissions and flammability
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 formulation reduces VOC emissions, allowing for global export without regulatory issues, while maintaining a consistent evaporation curve and fragrance diffusion, thus improving product competitiveness and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The perfume is absorbed by the reeds by capillarity and, at the end in contact with the atmosphere, it evaporates
Implementation Method 2
the formulation of the perfume, in liquid state, often contains components that aid evaporation due to their low boiling point
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a liquid perfume formulation comprising at least one essence, in such a percentage that the percentage of volatile organic compounds provided by the essence to the formulation is equal to or less than 18% by weight; at least one alcohol, in such a percentage that the sum of the percentage of volatile organic compounds provided by the essence and the alcohol to the formulation is equal to or less than 18% by weight; and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, in the required percentage up to 100% by weight. Another object of the invention is the use of the formulation in a liquid perfume dispenser and the liquid perfume dispenser characterised in that it comprises a reservoir open to the atmosphere and containing said perfume formulation.