Propellant-Free Shaving Gel Foam Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-aerosol shaving compositions fail to replicate the aesthetic and performance characteristics of propellant-containing shaving foams, such as forming a fine-pored, white, creamy foam, maintaining stability during shaving, and leaving no residues, while also being cost-effective and logistically simpler to produce.
Innovation Solution
A non-aerosol shaving composition comprising C12 to C18 carboxylic acids or their alkali metal salts, laureth-carboxylic acids, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and water, which generates a stable, voluminous foam with good skin feel and water retention, and is free of propellants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If propellants are used in shaving foam compositions, then the ability to form fine-pored, white, creamy foam is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to pressure-resistant containers and safety requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes propellants from the shaving foam composition entirely, extracting the problematic component that requires special handling equipment and pressure-resistant containers. The foam-forming function is achieved instead through a post-foaming gel mechanism using conventional containers, eliminating the need for complex manufacturing infrastructure while maintaining acceptable foam quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the foam-forming system by using a post-foaming gel composition that transforms from a gel state to a foam state upon application. This parameter change allows the system to achieve foam formation without propellants, using atmospheric air instead, thereby eliminating the need for pressure-resistant containers and complex manufacturing equipment.
2Shape
If propellants are used in shaving foam compositions, then the desired foam characteristics are achieved, but the manufacturing and distribution costs increase due to explosion-proof facilities and special storage equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts propellants from the formulation, eliminating the need for explosion-proof facilities and special storage equipment. The post-foaming gel mechanism achieves foam formation using atmospheric air, thereby removing all associated costs for special manufacturing infrastructure and dangerous goods handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a conventional container system that can be easily manufactured and distributed without special safety requirements. The post-foaming gel composition is designed to transform upon application, providing a cost-effective solution that eliminates expensive manufacturing infrastructure while maintaining product performance.
3Device complexity
If non-aerosol shaving compositions are used, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the ability to form stable, fine-pored, creamy foam deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a post-foaming gel composition that undergoes a parameter change from gel to foam state upon application. This transformation is achieved through the interaction of specific gel-forming polymers and surfactants with atmospheric air, producing a stable, fine-pored, creamy foam that matches the aesthetic characteristics of propellant-containing products while using simple conventional manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite formulation combining gel-forming polymers, surfactants, and other cosmetic ingredients in specific ratios. This composite material system works synergistically to produce stable, aesthetically pleasing foam upon application, achieving the desired foam characteristics without propellants and with simplified manufacturing.
4Device complexity
If non-aerosol shaving compositions are used, then the logistical complications are eliminated, but the foam stability and persistence during shaving are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite post-foaming gel formulation with specifically selected polymers and surfactants that work together to enhance foam stability. This composite material system ensures the foam persists throughout the complete duration of the shave, providing adequate lubrication and protection, while eliminating the logistical complications associated with propellant storage and handling.
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 composition achieves a stable, fine-pored, creamy foam that persists during shaving, provides excellent skin feel and water retention, and leaves no residues, matching the performance of propellant-containing foams without the associated costs and logistical complexities.
Implementation Method 1
shaving compositions which are free of propellants... comprising C12 to C18 carboxylic acids or their alkali metal salts, laureth-carboxylic acids... generates a stable, voluminous foam
Implementation Method 2
Due to the absence of propellant in propellant-free shaving compositions, it is desirable that a fine-pored, white, creamy foam be furnished simply upon rubbing the composition against the skin. In such cases, atmospheric air constitutes the gaseous component of the foam.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to non-aerosol shaving compositions which are free of propellants, and methods of preparing and using such shaving composition. In particular, the present invention relates to a non-aerosol, propellant-free composition comprising:(i) at least two C14 to C16 carboxylic acids or an alkali metal salt thereof;(ii) at least one compound of general Formula (I)R—O—[—CH2CH2O—]n—CH2CO2H (I)or an alkali metal salt thereof,whereinR represents a saturated, straight- or branched-chain C10 to C18 alkyl group; andn represents an integer between 4 and 12;(iii) polyvinyl pyrrolidone; and(iv) water.