Nonwoven Oral Patch for Discreet, Consistent Nicotine Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oral smokeless products, such as pouched tobacco and non-tobacco products, are perceived as less discrete, cause discomfort, and have variable release rates of active components, leading to unsatisfactory user experience.

Innovation Solution

A pouchless oral smokeless product in the form of an oral patch comprising a fibrous carrier made of a water-insoluble nonwoven material, impregnated with a thickening agent like alginate and glycerol, and optionally containing nicotine or flavorings, which provides quick and immediate release of active agents and flavors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pouched products are used, then active agents and flavors can be delivered, but the products form unappealing bulges and cause discomfort when placed under the lip

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort and discretion during useVSAvoidbulge formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a thin, flexible nonwoven material as the carrier that can conform to the contours of the lip and gum without forming rigid bulges. The material's flexibility allows it to adapt to the user's anatomy, eliminating the unappealing bulge problem while maintaining comfort during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the product by transitioning from a bulky pouch structure to a thin patch form factor. This parameter change in thickness and volume directly addresses the bulge formation issue while preserving the functional delivery of active agents and flavors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If pouched products are used, then active agents can be contained, but the release rate of components varies and nicotine is absorbed slowly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease rate consistencyVSAvoidnicotine absorption rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a porous nonwoven material that allows controlled penetration of saliva and facilitates consistent release of active agents. The porous structure provides uniform distribution pathways for nicotine and flavors, ensuring reliable and consistent release rates while enhancing absorption speed compared to traditional pouches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material construction combining hydrophilic and hydrophobic components within the nonwoven structure. This composite approach optimizes both the release rate consistency and absorption speed by creating controlled pathways for active agent delivery while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If traditional pouch materials are used, then filling material can be held in place, but the products are perceived as less discrete

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediscretion during useVSAvoidproduct bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by replacing the traditional bulky pouch with a thin, flexible nonwoven patch that can be discreetly placed under the lip. The thin film structure eliminates the visible and tactile bulk that compromises discretion, while still effectively containing and delivering the active agents and flavors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 oral patch offers pleasant mouth comfort, discrete use, and consistent release of active agents and flavors, eliminating discomfort and bulge issues while being environmentally friendly due to biodegradability.

Implementation Method 1

a pouchless oral smokeless product in the form of an oral patch comprising a carrier and an active agent and/or a flavour, wherein the carrier is a fibrous carrier consisting of a water insoluble nonwoven material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

The liquid solution may comprise a thickening agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscosity modification:

Data Source

PatentEP4444113B1An oral smokeless product comprising an active agent and/or a flavour

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 SWEDISH MATCH NORTH EURO

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Figure 4a~4f

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an oral smokeless product in the form of an oral patch comprising a thickening agent, a carrier, and an active agent and/or a flavour, wherein the carrier is a fibrous carrier consisting of a water insoluble nonwoven material. The present disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing the oral smokeless product, the method comprising: - providing a nonwoven material; - providing a liquid flavour solution comprising flavour, glycerol, alginate or gum acacia, water and optionally food colour; - applying the liquid flavour solution to the nonwoven material; and optionally - punching out individual oral smokeless products from the nonwoven sheet material.