Odour Control System Using Aldehydes and Menthol for Absorbent Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent articles for personal hygiene lack an effective odor control system that can address a wide variety of malodors in a holistic manner, with current solutions only providing limited odor reduction by acting on specific malodorous compounds or nose receptors.
Innovation Solution
An odor control system comprising two classes of materials: one class that reduces odors by acting on malodorous substances within the article, using aldehydes like alpha-amylcinnamic aldehyde and vanillin, and another class that acts on nose receptors, using menthol and menthyl acetate, to provide a synergistic effect in odor reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single class of odour control material is used, then the structure is simple, but the odour control effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two distinct classes of odour control materials (aldehydes that react with malodorous compounds and compounds that act on nose receptors) into a composite odour control system. This composite approach allows the system to address multiple odour control mechanisms simultaneously, improving overall effectiveness while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two different odour control mechanisms into a single integrated system: chemical reaction-based control (aldehydes reacting with malodorous substances) and sensory receptor-based control (compounds acting on nose receptors). This combination creates a synergistic effect that provides broader and more effective odour control than either mechanism alone.
2Adaptability or versatility
If materials acting only on malodorous substances are used, then the mechanism is straightforward, but the variety of malodors controlled is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The odour control system is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating materials that can address different types of malodours through two distinct mechanisms: chemical reaction with malodorous compounds and direct action on nose receptors. This universal approach enables the system to control a broader spectrum of malodours including bodily fluids, food odours, and environmental odours.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If only one mechanism of odour control is used, then the system is simple, but the duration of odour control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous odour control through two complementary mechanisms: the aldehyde-based chemical reaction provides ongoing neutralization of malodorous compounds as they are generated, while the nose receptor-acting compounds provide continuous sensory blocking. This dual-mechanism approach ensures sustained odour control throughout the product's usage period.
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 system significantly reduces malodor perception by neutralizing odors internally and blocking nose receptors externally, offering improved odor control across a broader range of malodors and enhancing the shelf life of absorbent articles.
Implementation Method 1
The aldehydes enter into chemical reaction with malodorant molecules
Implementation Method 2
compounds that are capable of altering the body's sensory receptors
Data Source
AI summary
Absorbent articles which are provided with an odour control system. The odour control system includes at least two classes of odour control materials, wherein one class acts on malodours or a malodorous substance in the absorbent article, whereas a second class acts on nose receptors. The classes of odour control materials may be selected to provide a synergistic effect in terms of malodour reduction.