Polyol Crystal Agglomerates Replace Talc in Chewing Gum Dusting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing processes for producing chewing gum face challenges with the use of talc, including contamination risks, poor flow characteristics of alternatives like icing sugar and polyol powders, leading to uneven dusting, waste, and equipment clogging, which affect the quality and safety of the gum.

Innovation Solution

A process involving the use of crystal agglomerates composed of polyols, produced through wet or dry granulation techniques, which provide a total or partial replacement for mineral agents like talc, ensuring effective dusting while maintaining organoleptic qualities and improving flow characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If talc is used as dusting powder, then good flow characteristics are achieved, but contamination risks and safety issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow characteristicsVSAvoidcontamination risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces permanent mineral dusting agents (talc) with temporary polyol-based dusting layers that are applied and then mostly consumed or removed during chewing, eliminating contamination risks while maintaining flow properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the dusting powder from inorganic minerals to organic polyols, fundamentally altering the material properties to eliminate asbestos contamination risks while maintaining functional performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If icing sugar or polyol powders are used to replace talc, then safety is improved, but flow characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidflow characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes particle size parameters to 40-100 μm range, which balances safety (reduced fine dust) with flow characteristics (reduced inter-particle friction), and controls moisture content to prevent caking while maintaining dustability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite dusting compositions containing multiple polyols (e.g., mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol) in specific ratios, creating a material that combines the benefits of different polyols while achieving optimal flow and dusting properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Quantity of substance

If fine particle size powders are used, then talc replacement effectiveness is improved, but dust generation and equipment clogging increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetalc replacement effectivenessVSAvoiddust generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes particle size to 40-100 μm, which is fine enough to effectively replace talc in terms of dusting uniformity and coverage, but coarse enough to reduce airborne dust generation and prevent equipment clogging, representing an optimal parameter balance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If polyol powders are used, then organoleptic qualities are maintained, but flow and dusting uniformity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorganoleptic qualitiesVSAvoiddusting uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls particle size distribution and moisture content parameters to ensure uniform dusting application while preserving the organoleptic qualities of polyols, achieving both manufacturing precision and product quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 process allows for the production of chewing gum with reduced mineral agents, enhancing safety, quality, and flow properties, reducing waste and equipment issues, and maintaining the gum's taste and texture.

Implementation Method 1

crystal agglomerates composed of polyols, produced through wet or dry granulation techniques

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGranulation:

Implementation Method 2

a step of dusting with a dusting powder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDusting: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2473061B1Method for obtaining chewing gum, in which talc is replaced with agglomerates of crystals

Publication Date: 2016.03.30 ROQUETTE FRERES SA

AI summary

The invention relates to a chewing gum production method comprising a step in which the ingredients are mixed together, a mixture-extrusion step, a dusting step using a dusting powder, a sheeting step and a shaping/cutting step. The invention is characterised in that the dusting powder comprises a powder composition of agglomerates of crystals, said powder composition including at least one polyol. The invention also relates to the resulting chewing gum.