In Situ Mixture Separation via Destabilizing Energy Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating mixtures, such as emulsions and suspensions, used in skincare formulations struggle to achieve long-term stability and effective diffusion of active agents on the skin, as the stability of these mixtures hinders the release of components.
Innovation Solution
Applying destabilizing energy forms like weak magnetic fields, mechanical shear forces, and surface energies to separate the mixture in situ, followed by enriching energy forms to create regions enriched in specific components, facilitating improved partitioning and diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the mixture is stabilized to maintain shelf-life, then the stability of the mixture is improved, but the ability of components to exit the mixture and diffuse on skin is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic energy fields (magnetic, electric, acoustic, thermal) to the mixture after application to skin, transforming it from a static stable state to a dynamic separated state. The mixture transitions from maintaining shelf-life stability to actively separating components through applied energy fields, enabling controlled release of active agents without compromising initial stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the mixture by applying energy fields that alter magnetic susceptibility, dielectric constant, or other physical properties. These parameter changes cause the mixture to separate into regions enriched with different components, transforming the stable homogeneous mixture into a separated state that promotes component diffusion and skin penetration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If emulsifiers are used to stabilize emulsion droplets, then the emulsion stability is improved, but the release of active agents from the mixture is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical disruption methods with energy field application to overcome emulsifier stabilization. Instead of using mechanical force to break emulsion droplets, the patent applies magnetic, electric, acoustic, or thermal energy fields that interact with the emulsion components to induce separation and release active agents while maintaining emulsion integrity during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic energy field application to transform the static stabilized emulsion into a dynamic system where components can be actively separated. The energy fields create temporary dynamic conditions that allow active agents to escape from emulsifier-stabilized droplets without compromising the overall emulsion structure during storage.
3Productivity
If mixing is performed at very high rates to overcome interfacial tension, then the emulsion formation is improved, but long-term stability is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses energy fields as intermediaries to achieve long-term stability without relying solely on high-rate mixing. The energy fields act as mediators that continuously maintain the emulsion in a controlled state, preventing phase separation over time while allowing rapid initial formation through conventional mixing methods.
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 effective separation and enrichment of components on the skin surface, enhancing the efficacy of skincare products by overcoming intermolecular forces and promoting targeted delivery of active agents.
Implementation Method 1
applying at least one enriching energy form to the mixture to form a first region that is enriched in the first component relative to the second component and a second region that is enriched in the second component relative to the first component, wherein the enriching energy form is chosen from the list comprising: a weak magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
applying at least two destabilizing energy forms to the mixture to separate the mixture, wherein the destabilizing energy forms are chosen from the list comprising: mechanical shear force
Implementation Method 3
applying at least two destabilizing energy forms to the mixture to separate the mixture, wherein the destabilizing energy forms are chosen from the list comprising: thermal energy
Implementation Method 4
applying at least two destabilizing energy forms to the mixture to separate the mixture, wherein the destabilizing energy forms are chosen from the list comprising: surface energy
Implementation Method 5
enhancing the efficacy of skincare products by overcoming intermolecular forces and promoting targeted delivery of active agents
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for the separation of a mixture having a first component and a second component, the method comprising the steps of: (a) applying at least two destabilizing energy forms to the mixture to destabilize the mixture, wherein the destabilizing energy forms are chosen from the list comprising: mechanical shear force, thermal energy, and/or surface energy; and (b) applying at least one enriching energy form to the mixture to form a first region that is enriched in a first component relative to the second component and a second region that is enriched in the second component relative to the first component, wherein the enriching energy form is surface energy.