Multilayer Composite Barrier for Odor Diffusion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for diffusing odorous substances, such as perfumes, on printed substrates lack control over migration and diffusion, leading to uncontrolled release and interaction with ink, which affects the quality and industrialization of the product.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer composite structure featuring a printable support layer made of cellulose fibers, an absorbent support-reservoir layer of synthetic fibers, and barrier layers to control migration, with the nonwoven polyester layer undergoing surface treatment for enhanced diffusion control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If perfume is deposited on printed support using ethylcellulose polymer mixture, then the perfume dries quickly without heating, but the migration and diffusion of perfume inside the printed support or between supports is not controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying speedVSAvoiddiffusion control
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support is divided into multiple functional layers: a printed support layer for visual information, a barrier layer (aluminum foil or resin) to control migration, and an absorbent layer (cellulose or cotton) to store and release perfume. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, achieving both quick drying and controlled diffusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A barrier layer (aluminum foil or resin layer) is introduced as an intermediary between the printed support and the absorbent layer. This intermediary layer acts as a migration barrier that prevents uncontrolled perfume movement while allowing the system to maintain its multi-functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a membrane is sealed to the substrate to prevent premature evaporation, then the fragrance is preserved during storage, but the release depends on manual removal of the membrane

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance preservationVSAvoidrelease mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent layer is designed to automatically release fragrance through diffusion when exposed to stimuli such as heat, moisture, or mechanical deformation. The system serves itself by utilizing environmental conditions or user interaction (bending, folding) to trigger release without requiring manual membrane removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier layer is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to respond to environmental changes and user interaction. When the support is bent, folded, or exposed to heat, the barrier layer's properties change to permit fragrance release, transforming from a static barrier to a dynamic control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the absorbent layer is made of porous material to allow perfume diffusion, then the fragrance releases easily, but the perfume freely migrates between layers creating technical disorders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance releaseVSAvoidmigration control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a printed support layer, a barrier layer (aluminum foil or resin) positioned between layers, and an absorbent layer. This segmentation creates clear boundaries that prevent uncontrolled migration while maintaining controlled release capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier layer (aluminum foil or resin) serves as an intermediary between the printed support and the absorbent layer. This intermediary layer selectively controls perfume migration, allowing controlled release when needed while preventing uncontrolled movement between layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 multilayer composite effectively manages the diffusion of odorous substances, maintaining their quality and preventing interaction with the support materials, ensuring controlled release and improved industrial production and distribution processes.

Implementation Method 1

an absorbent support-reservoir layer (1) made of at least one fabric and/or at least one synthetic fiber polymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the absorbent support-reservoir layer (1) is made of at least one fabric and/or at least one synthetic fiber polymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

a layer of barrier polymer (2) which presents a material impermeable to the odorous substance (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP2524619B1Multilayer composite for diffusing odorous substances and manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2016.01.06 PO DREUX
  • EP2524619B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2524619B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2524619B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a multilayer composite for the diffusion of an odorant substance, which comprises: - an absorbent support-reservoir layer (1) adapted to be printed and to receive an odorant substance (4) intended to be diffused, - a printable and/or printed support layer (3), - a barrier polymer layer (2), such as a polymer film, disposed between the printable and/or printed support layer (3) and the absorbent support-reservoir layer (1), to prevent migration of this substance between the support layers (1, 3).