Insect Repellent Formulation Using Masking Agents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional insect repellents are ineffective in masking human scent, require high concentrations of active ingredients, can cause skin irritation, and have unpleasant odors that also affect humans.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic preparation containing 1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylpropyl ester (Icaridin) combined with hexyl salicylate and linalyl acetate, formulated in various forms such as emulsions or sprays, to effectively repel insects while minimizing skin irritation and odor impact on humans.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high concentrations of repellent active ingredients are used to effectively mask human scent and repel insects, then the repellent efficacy is improved, but skin irritation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepellent efficacyVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces masking substances (fragrance compounds, essential oils, or aromatic substances) as intermediaries that compete with human scent for insect attraction. These masking agents divert insects away from the human body by creating an alternative scent source, thereby reducing the need for high concentrations of irritating repellent active ingredients while maintaining effective repellent efficacy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the concentration parameter of repellent active ingredients from high levels (typically required in conventional formulations) to reduced levels (0.1-10% by weight). This parameter change is made possible by the synergistic combination with masking substances that enhance the overall repellent effect through scent interference, thereby reducing skin irritation while maintaining efficacy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If high concentrations of repellent active ingredients are used to ensure long-lasting repellent effect, then the duration of action is improved, but the unpleasant odor perceived by humans increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of repellent effectVSAvoidunpleasant odor

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses masking substances as intermediary agents that provide a pleasant fragrance to counterbalance the unpleasant odor of repellent active ingredients. These masking agents (fragrance compounds, essential oils, or aromatic substances) create a more acceptable overall scent profile while maintaining the long-lasting repellent effect through continuous scent interference with insects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the concentration parameter of repellent active ingredients to reduced levels (0.1-10% by weight), which directly reduces the intensity of unpleasant odors. The duration of repellent effect is maintained through the synergistic interaction with masking substances that continuously interfere with insect attraction, allowing for lower concentrations without sacrificing longevity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional repellent formulations are used to repel insects, then the repellent function is achieved, but the human natural scent is not effectively masked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsect repellent functionVSAvoidmasking of human scent

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces masking substances (fragrance compounds, essential oils, or aromatic substances) as intermediaries that actively interfere with and mask human natural scent. These masking agents create an alternative scent profile that diverts insects away from the human body, effectively concealing the attractive human scent signals while maintaining the repellent function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite formulation combining repellent active ingredients with masking substances (fragrance compounds, essential oils, or aromatic substances). This composite material works synergistically where the masking substances interfere with insect attraction to human scent while the repellent active ingredients provide additional protection, achieving effective scent masking that conventional single-function formulations cannot accomplish

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP1745772B1Insect repellents with improved activity

Publication Date: 2010.01.06 BEIERSDORF AG

AI summary

Cosmetic composition (A) comprises (a) at least one of the repellents 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylpropyl 1-piperidinecarboxylate (I); ethyl 3-(N-n-butyl-N-acetylamino)propionate or N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide and (b) at least one other compound (II). Cosmetic composition (A) comprises (a) at least one of the repellents 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylpropyl 1-piperidine carboxylate (I); ethyl 3-(N-n-butyl-N-acetylamino)propionate or N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide and (b) at least one of hexyl salicylate; linalyl acetate; 2-isobutyl-4-hydroxy-4-methyltetrahydropyran; adipic acid diester; methyl heptanone; alpha -isomethylionone; butylphenylmethylpropioal; coumarin; hexylcinnamal; limonene; linalool; diethyl succinate; hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde; menthyl-PCA (5-pyrrolidone-2-carboxylic acid) and citronellylmethyl crotonate. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) package, made of polyethylene, polypropylene or poly(ethylene terephthalate), that contains (A); and (2) cloth or plaster impregnated with (A). ACTIVITY : Insect Repellent. No details of tests for insect repellent activity are given.