Oral Care Release Component for Slow Sensate Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-soluble release polymers in oral care implements have rapid release profiles and degrade at high temperatures, making them unsuitable for the entire lifespan of the implement and requiring low processing temperatures, which prolongs manufacturing times.
Innovation Solution
An oral care implement with a water-dissolvable matrix comprising a graft polymer formed from caprolactam, vinyl acetate, and ethylene glycol, and a release agent dispersed throughout, allowing for a slow release of sensates and other agents at temperatures above 130°C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If water-soluble release polymers with rapid release profiles are used, then the desired component is released quickly to provide user response, but the polymer releases the component within days making it unsuitable for the entire lifespan of the oral care implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polymer matrix by using a polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer with specific composition ratios and molecular weight characteristics. This parameter change transforms the release profile from rapid (days) to sustained (months) while maintaining water solubility and controlled release characteristics throughout the implement's lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite polymer system consisting of polyvinyl caprolactam, polyvinyl acetate, and polyethylene glycol grafted together. This composite material combines the water solubility and controlled release properties of different polymer components to achieve both sustained release over months and compatibility with high-temperature processing.
2Reliability
If water-soluble release polymers requiring low processing temperatures are used, then the controlled release characteristics are maintained, but manufacturing times are prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the polymer system by selecting a graft copolymer with a processing temperature threshold of at least 130°C. This parameter change enables the polymer to withstand high-temperature manufacturing processes without degradation, thereby reducing manufacturing time while preserving controlled release characteristics.
3Productivity
If water-soluble release polymers are exposed to high temperatures, then processing time is reduced, but the polymers undergo severe degradation destroying the controlled release characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal stability parameters of the polymer by using a graft copolymer specifically designed to maintain structural integrity at temperatures of 130°C and above. This parameter change allows high-temperature processing that accelerates manufacturing while preserving the controlled release properties essential for sustained component delivery over the implement's lifespan.
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 solution enables a slow and controlled release of agents over three months, providing visual or sensory cues for replacement and maintaining effective oral care properties throughout the implement's lifespan without prolonged manufacturing times.
Implementation Method 1
a water-dissolvable matrix comprising a first polymer having a processing temperature greater than or equal to 130 °C; and a release agent comprising a sensate
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein is an oral care implement comprising: a handle; and a head coupled to the handle, the head comprising a main body and a release component coupled to the main body, the release component comprising: a water-dissolvable matrix comprising a first polymer having a processing temperature greater than or equal to 130°C; and a release agent comprising a sensate; wherein the release agent is dispersed throughout the water-dissolvable matrix.