Solid Air Freshener with Starch Binder for Fragrance Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for solid air fresheners that can be easily manufactured without high temperature casting, are stable during transportation, and can be easily dissolved in water to form a clear liquid composition without fragrance weeping, while incorporating high percentages of fragrance for long-lasting odor control.
Innovation Solution
A solid air freshener composition comprising a fragrance, a surfactant, and a solidifier, preferably impregnated in a starch substrate or combined with a powder carrier, which can be pressed into a stable form and dissolved in water to create a clear liquid solution, using a surfactant/solidifier ratio greater than 1:1, and optional components like viscosity modifiers and deodorants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high fragrance content is incorporated in solid air freshener, then long-lasting odor control is achieved, but fragrance weeping occurs during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
A starch-based binder acts as an intermediary substance that encapsulates and holds the fragrance within the solid matrix. The binder creates a physical barrier that prevents fragrance molecules from migrating to the surface and weeping, while still allowing controlled release during use. This mediator enables high fragrance loading without compromising stability during transportation.
2Quantity of substance
If high fragrance content is used, then long-lasting fragrance is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameters of the fragrance-binder mixture by controlling moisture content and compression pressure. By adjusting these parameters during the pressing process, the formulation transitions from a loose mixture to a stable solid form that can be easily manufactured. This parameter control simplifies the manufacturing process while enabling high fragrance content incorporation.
3Ease of operation
If solid air freshener is designed for easy dissolution, then convenient application is achieved, but structural integrity during storage is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The solid air freshener structure is designed to be dynamically responsive to environmental conditions. The starch-based binder maintains strong structural integrity under storage conditions (low moisture, ambient temperature) but undergoes a transition when exposed to water, rapidly dissolving to release the fragrance. This dynamic behavior allows the product to maintain strength during storage while providing easy dissolution during application.
4Shape
If high temperature casting is used for manufacturing, then solid form is achieved, but manufacturing cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces thermal processing (high temperature casting) with a mechanical processing approach. The starch-based binder and fragrance mixture is formed into the desired solid shape through compression pressing at ambient or elevated temperatures, eliminating the need for high-temperature melting and casting equipment. This mechanical substitution significantly reduces energy consumption while achieving the same solid form outcome.
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 reduces transportation costs, allows for easy spray application, and maintains fragrance stability at elevated temperatures, providing effective odor control with high fragrance content without significant weeping or particle formation.
Implementation Method 1
a starch substrate or admixed with a powder carrier such as sodium lauryl sulfate
Implementation Method 2
a surfactant... the fragrance evaporates with the carrier, scenting the air
Implementation Method 3
a solidifier... which can be pressed into a stable form
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a solid pressed air freshener and odor neutralizer composition which can include greater than 10% fragrance. The air freshener comprises a fragrance; preferably the fragrance is impregnated within a water soluble substrate made from a foamed vegetable starch, a surfactant and a solidifier. The solid formulations break down easily in the presence of water and may be sprayed, within the area to be freshened.