Omega-3 Spray Pump Assembly Inert Atmosphere Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Omega-3 supplements in oil form are prone to oxidation when the bottle is opened frequently, reducing their anti-inflammatory benefits and causing inflammatory responses, and they often have an unpleasant 'fishy' taste and smell, making them unpalatable and difficult to consume, especially for infants and adolescents.
Innovation Solution
A spray container with a pump assembly that minimizes oxygen exposure to the Omega-3 oil, using a plant-based Omega-3 compound derived from algae, which is more sustainable and pure than fish oil, and is flavored to mask any unpleasant taste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Omega-3 oil is stored in a bottle that requires opening on a regular basis, then the supplement is accessible and usable, but the Omega-3 oil becomes highly oxidized and loses its anti-inflammatory benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inert atmosphere (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) to replace oxygen in the bottle, preventing oxidation of the Omega-3 oil while maintaining accessibility. The inert gas creates a protective environment that preserves the supplement's anti-inflammatory benefits throughout its shelf life and usage period.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If Omega-3 oil is placed in a gel capsule to mask the fishy taste and smell, then the unpleasant taste is reduced, but the capsule causes post-ingestion burps and indigestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and delivery parameters of the Omega-3 supplement from encapsulated oil to an aerosolized spray form. This parameter change allows the supplement to be delivered as a fine mist that evaporates quickly in the mouth, providing fishy taste masking without the digestive issues associated with gel capsules.
3Quantity of substance
If large Omega-3 oil capsules are used to provide sufficient dosage, then the therapeutic effect is achieved, but the capsules are difficult to swallow and present challenges for infants and adolescents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large capsule dosage into multiple smaller, easily ingestible spray actuations. Each spray delivers a controlled amount of Omega-3, allowing the total therapeutic dosage to be administered in several small steps that are comfortable for infants, children, and adults alike.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If Omega-3 oil is sprayed to eliminate the fishy smell, then the taste issue is addressed, but spraying would likely worsen the fishy smell and taste that many people find objectionable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an inert atmosphere to prevent oxidation of the Omega-3 oil in the spray reservoir, which would otherwise generate unpleasant fishy odors. The inert gas protection ensures that the oil remains fresh and odor-free until the moment of use, at which point the aerosolization and rapid evaporation mask any residual taste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flavoring agents as intermediaries that mask the fishy taste of the Omega-3 oil. These flavoring compounds are mixed with the Omega-3 in the spray formulation, creating a palatable product that delivers the therapeutic dose without the objectionable fishy flavor.
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 spray form of Omega-3 supplements reduces oxidation, eliminates the 'fishy' taste and smell, and is easier to ingest, maintaining the anti-inflammatory benefits while being more environmentally friendly and suitable for all ages.
Implementation Method 1
Omega-3 fatty acids become highly oxidized when enclosed in a bottle that requires opening on a regular basis. This resulting oxidization reduces or eliminates the anti-inflammatory benefits offered by the Omega-3 supplement
Implementation Method 2
a container with a pump for ejecting Omega-3 compound in a mist or liquid form through a nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A pump assembly cap includes an accumulator reservoir configured for fluid communication with a container through a one-way inlet valve. An actuator including a dispensing passage having a dispensing orifice. A delivery path extended from the one-way inlet valve, through the accumulator reservoir, the one-way outlet valve, and to the dispensing orifice. The delivery path includes a sealed configuration and an opened configuration. In the sealed configuration, the actuator is in a ready position and the accumulator reservoir includes a first volume, the one-way outlet valve hermetically seals the accumulator reservoir, and the one-way inlet valve is closed. In the opened configuration, the actuator is moved to a dispensing position and the accumulator reservoir includes a second volume less than the first volume, the hermetic seal of the one-way outlet is open, and the one-way inlet valve is closed.