Odor-Control Composition with Encapsulated Fragrance Beads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing odor control compositions face issues with irreversible adsorption of fragrance compounds, uneven fragrance distribution, and uncontrolled fragrance release, leading to reduced efficacy over time, especially under high temperatures and humidity.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional odor-control composition featuring a delivery system with microdroplets of fragrance in a fragrance-encapsulating material surrounded by a protective coating, dispersed within an external absorbent material, ensuring controlled release and prolonged retention of fragrances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fragrance is added directly to absorbent, then fragrance distribution is achieved, but irreversible adsorption alters efficacy and causes uncontrolled release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary carrier system consisting of porous beads coated with fragrance and sealed with a water-soluble coating material. This intermediary structure mediates between the fragrance compound and the absorbent, preventing direct irreversible adsorption while enabling controlled release through the dissolution of the coating upon contact with moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing a water-soluble coating material that transitions from an intact state during storage to a dissolved state upon contact with moisture. This parameter change (solubility) controls the release of fragrance, transforming the system from a closed retained state to an open released state in response to environmental conditions.
2Productivity
If fragrance is added directly to absorbent, then initial olfactive impact is achieved, but aged composition shows under-dosed impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the porous beads with fragrance compounds and sealing them with a water-soluble coating before incorporation into the absorbent. This preliminary encapsulation preserves the fragrance during storage and ensures a controlled, sustained release upon activation, preventing both initial loss and premature depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuity of useful action through the water-soluble coating that dissolves progressively upon contact with moisture, enabling sustained fragrance release over time. This continuous dissolution process maintains olfactive impact throughout the product's usage period, preventing the under-dosed impact observed in aged compositions.
3Quantity of substance
If liquid fragrance is mixed into product, then fragrance distribution is achieved, but manufacturing issues arise including clogging and fragrance loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fragrance delivery system into discrete porous beads that are individually coated and sealed. These segmented units can be easily handled, transported, and incorporated into the final product without clogging machinery, while ensuring uniform fragrance distribution throughout the absorbent matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming the fragrance from a liquid state (prone to loss and clogging) into a solid encapsulated form on porous beads. This parameter change (phase and physical state) eliminates manufacturing issues while maintaining the ability to distribute fragrance uniformly throughout the product.
4Reliability
If spray-dried encapsulated fragrance is used, then fragrance protection is achieved, but fine powder is difficult to handle and prone to attrition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by using a water-soluble coating material that forms a protective film around the fragrance-loaded porous beads. This coating provides mechanical protection against attrition during handling while remaining water-soluble for controlled release, and the bead structure is easier to handle than fine powder.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the fragrance delivery form from fine spray-dried powder to larger porous beads with a protective coating. This parameter change (particle size and structure) significantly improves handling characteristics and reduces attrition while maintaining fragrance protection through the water-soluble coating barrier.
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 composition effectively absorbs malodor and moisture while maintaining fragrance efficacy over time, even under harsh conditions, and provides a controlled release mechanism, enhancing product performance and stability.
Implementation Method 1
microdroplets of a dispersed fragrance in a fragrance-encapsulating material
Implementation Method 2
Absorbent materials have traditionally been used to absorb malodors and moisture
Implementation Method 3
optionally surrounded by a protective coating
Implementation Method 4
releasing a fragrance or volatile malodor-counteracting substances in a controlled way
Data Source
AI summary
A solid, free-flowing composition adapted to deliver fragrance or malodor counteractant in a consumer product that is subjected to actual or potential malodorous influences. The composition comprises a delivery system consisting of a core material surrounded by a fragranced material comprising microdroplets of a dispersed fragrance in a fragrance-encapsulating material, optionally surrounded by a protective coating, and, an external absorbent material in which the fragrance delivery vehicle is dispersed. The composition is effective with respect to animal litters.