PEG Granule Top Spray Granulation Additive Segregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bulk dry compositions of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with additives like flavoring agents and sweeteners face segregation issues, leading to inconsistent additive concentrations across doses, making it difficult to create a single, convenient bulk composition.

Innovation Solution

The Top Spray Granulation process is used to deposit flavor and sweetener onto PEG granules, minimizing segregation and maintaining physical properties, allowing for consistent additive distribution throughout the composition, which can be packaged in bulk containers for multiple servings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If additives are pre-mixed with PEG in bulk composition, then convenience of single container packaging is improved, but segregation of additives from PEG occurs leading to inconsistent additive concentration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of single container packagingVSAvoidconsistency of additive concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of additives by encapsulating them in lipid particles, which modifies their interaction with PEG particles. This parameter change prevents segregation while maintaining bulk composition convenience, as the encapsulated additives remain associated with PEG throughout storage and handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure where additives are encapsulated within lipid particles that are mixed with PEG. This composite approach combines the benefits of bulk packaging with the stability of prevented segregation, as the lipid encapsulation matrix keeps additives bound to PEG particles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If flavoring agents and sweeteners are added to PEG, then consumer acceptability is improved, but particle size and morphology of PEG are altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsumer acceptabilityVSAvoidparticle morphology of PEG

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent encapsulates flavoring agents and sweeteners in lipid particles, changing their physical form from free additives to encapsulated structures. This parameter change allows the additives to be incorporated without altering the particle size and morphology of PEG, as the encapsulated additives do not directly interact with PEG crystal structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces lipid particles as an intermediary between the additives and PEG. This intermediary allows the flavoring agents and sweeteners to be delivered to consumers without direct contact with PEG, thus maintaining PEG's physical properties while still providing the desired sensory experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If additives are segregated from PEG, then ease of manufacturing is improved, but dosing accuracy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of additive separationVSAvoiddosing accuracy of additives

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by preventing segregation through encapsulation rather than relying on segregation for manufacturing ease. The lipid encapsulation naturally binds additives to PEG particles, eliminating the need for complex mixing processes while ensuring accurate dosing through uniform distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This approach ensures a consistent consumer experience by maintaining the physical properties of PEG and preventing segregation during processing, packaging, shipping, and use, resulting in a clear solution with aesthetically pleasing dosing and accurate unit dosing through volumetric measurement.

Implementation Method 1

The Top Spray Granulation process of the present invention offers the advantage of depositing the flavor and sweetener onto the PEG granules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpray deposition: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11793876B2Bulk polyethylene glycol compositions

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 PERRIGO L CO

AI summary

The present invention relates to bulk dry compositions comprising polyethylene glycol and an additive, such as a flavoring agent and/or sweetener, wherein the additive remains at a consistent concentration throughout the bulk composition. The invention also relates to processes for preparing the bulk dry compositions comprising polyethylene glycol.