Microcapsule Split-Stream Manufacturing for Fragrance Stability

Solution Overview

Problem

Personal care compositions containing microcapsules experience a significant reduction in fragrance release when exposed to high temperatures during the manufacturing process, leading to impaired performance of the microcapsules, as the heat affects the extraction of the fragrance from the microcapsules over time.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a split stream manufacturing process where microcapsules are included in the second process stream at a lower temperature, below 80°C, and applying the concept of Late Point Product Differentiation by adding microcapsules when the temperature is less than 80°C, less than 70°C, or less than 60°C, to minimize exposure to high heat and maintain fragrance release efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high temperature processing is used during manufacturing, then processing efficiency and material dissolution are improved, but fragrance release performance of microcapsules deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidfragrance release performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is divided into two separate process streams: a first process stream for heat-sensitive ingredients (microcapsules, fragrances) maintained below 80°C, and a second process stream for other ingredients that may require higher temperatures. This segmentation allows each stream to be processed at optimal temperatures without compromising the fragrance release performance of microcapsules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Heat-sensitive ingredients containing microcapsules are added to the formulation early in the manufacturing process, before high-temperature processing occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the microcapsules are incorporated into the final product at low temperature, preserving their integrity and fragrance release capabilities throughout subsequent processing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If microcapsules are added early in the process, then mixing and homogeneity are improved, but exposure to high heat increases and fragrance release is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing homogeneityVSAvoidheat exposure damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is divided into two separate process streams: a first process stream for heat-sensitive ingredients (microcapsules, fragrances) maintained below 80°C, and a second process stream for other ingredients that may require higher temperatures. This segmentation allows each stream to be processed at optimal temperatures without compromising the fragrance release performance of microcapsules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature parameter is strictly controlled to remain below 80°C throughout the entire process stream containing microcapsules, from addition through final mixing. This parameter change (maintaining low temperature) prevents heat-induced degradation of the microcapsules while still achieving adequate mixing and homogeneity through extended low-temperature processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If low temperature processing is used, then fragrance release performance is maintained, but processing time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefragrance release performanceVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is divided into two separate process streams: a first process stream for heat-sensitive ingredients (microcapsules, fragrances) maintained below 80°C, and a second process stream for other ingredients that may require higher temperatures. This segmentation allows each stream to be processed at optimal temperatures without compromising the fragrance release performance of microcapsules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The low-temperature process stream operates continuously, maintaining constant mixing and circulation of heat-sensitive ingredients at temperatures below 80°C. This continuous useful action ensures thorough mixing and homogeneity are achieved over time without requiring high-temperature shortcuts, thereby maintaining fragrance release performance while managing processing time efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10716743B2Personal care compositions and methods

Publication Date: 2020.07.21 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

Methods of making personal care compositions including microcapsules and methods of enhancing the efficacy of the microcapsules in said personal care compositions.