Oral Care Implement With Slow-Release Dissolvable Matrix
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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 copolymer of caprolactam, vinyl acetate, and ethylene glycol, which allows for a slow release of agents like potassium nitrate and tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, and can be processed at temperatures above 130°C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water-soluble release polymers are used in oral care implements, then a perceivable response (such as color change) is provided after exposure to water, but the polymers have rapid release profiles and release the desired component within days, making them unsuitable to last the entire lifespan of the implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polymer by using a graft copolymer with specific composition (polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol) and controlling its molecular weight and composition ratios. This modifies the dissolution rate from rapid to slow, enabling the release component to last the entire lifespan of the oral care implement while maintaining water-soluble release characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite polymer structure consisting of multiple polymer chains grafted together (caprolactam backbone with vinyl acetate and polyethylene glycol side chains). This composite structure provides both water solubility for release and controlled dissolution rate, resolving the contradiction between rapid response and sustained duration
2Reliability
If water-soluble release polymers are used, then controlled release characteristics are achieved, but the polymers undergo severe degradation at temperatures above 130 °C, requiring low processing temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects a graft copolymer with specific thermal stability parameters that can withstand processing temperatures above 130°C without degradation. The polymer's chemical structure (cross-linked graft copolymer) provides thermal resistance while maintaining water-soluble release properties, eliminating the need for low temperature processing
3Reliability
If low processing temperatures are used to prevent polymer degradation, then release characteristics are maintained, but manufacturing times are prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameter of the polymer material to enable high-temperature processing. The selected graft copolymer remains stable at temperatures above 130°C, allowing for faster manufacturing cycles while preserving the controlled release characteristics, thus increasing productivity without sacrificing reliability
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 provides a slow and continuous release of agents over three months, enabling effective oral care benefits while allowing high-temperature processing, thus reducing manufacturing time and maintaining release characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a water-dissolvable matrix comprising a first polymer
Implementation Method 2
such water-soluble release polymers have rapid release profiles - releasing the desired component within days of the first usage
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 at least one of zinc oxide, potassium nitrate, and tetrapotassium pyrophosphate; wherein the release agent is dispersed throughout the water-dissolvable matrix.