Menthyl Acetate and Superabsorbent Polymer Malodor Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hygiene products, such as diapers and sanitary napkins, fail to effectively neutralize unpleasant odors associated with urine and menstrual blood, often relying on perfumes that may mask but intensify the issue, rather than truly neutralizing the malodor at low concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A composition combining physiological cooling agents like menthol derivatives with water-absorbing polymers or hydrogels, which are applied in specific ratios to absorb and neutralize malodors, particularly using menthyl acetate and superabsorbent polymers to reduce feminine hygiene malodors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If perfumes are used to mask bad odors in hygiene products, then the perception of malodor is reduced, but the odor components mix and intensify unpleasantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful malodor molecules into beneficial effects by using water-absorbing polymers to trap odor-causing substances and physiological cooling agents to chemically interact with and neutralize odor molecules, transforming the harmful odor problem into a beneficial neutralization process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water-absorbing polymers and physiological cooling agents as intermediary substances that mediate between the malodor source and the user's perception, allowing these intermediaries to absorb and neutralize odor molecules before they reach the user's nose
2Quantity of substance
If water-absorbing polymers are used to absorb body fluids, then the liquids are stored within the polymer matrix, but the unpleasant odors remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges water-absorbing polymers with physiological cooling agents in a single composition, combining the liquid absorption function with the odor neutralization function into one integrated product that performs both tasks simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material by combining water-absorbing polymers with physiological cooling agents, resulting in a material that possesses both high liquid absorption capacity and effective odor neutralization properties
3Object-affected harmful factors
If stronger fragrances are used to overpower bad odors, then the malodor perception is reduced, but the inherent odor is intensified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the approach from masking odors with stronger fragrances to actually neutralizing odor molecules through chemical interaction with physiological cooling agents, transforming the harmful odor into a beneficial neutralization process
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 combination of menthol derivatives with superabsorbent polymers significantly reduces malodor intensity, providing effective neutralization without overpowering the odor, as demonstrated by expert panel evaluations in sniffer box tests.
Implementation Method 1
These superabsorbers have the property of absorbing liquids, whereby the substances expand many times their volume. Since the liquids are stored within the polymer matrix, the superabsorbers remain dry on the outside.
Implementation Method 2
a new composition for fighting particular female body odors... comprising or consisting of (a) at least one physiological cooling agent and (b) at least one water-absorbing polymer and/or hydrogel
Data Source
AI summary
Suggested is a composition for fighting malodors comprising or consisting of (a) at least one physiological cooling gent and (b) at least one water-absorbing polymer and/or hydrogel.