Solid Fragrance Composition with Segmented Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry and household cleaning products lack flexibility in fragrance options and levels, as consumers can only choose from predetermined amounts, and existing formulations are not environmentally friendly or compatible with all wash cycles.

Innovation Solution

A solid composition comprising polyethylene glycol, alkyl polyalkoxylate, free fragrance, and encapsulated fragrance, along with an alkaline metal or earth metal salt, which can be formulated to adjust solubility and agglomeration characteristics, allowing for customizable fragrance release and compatibility with various wash habits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a predetermined amount of specific fragrance is used in laundry detergent powders and solid fabric conditioners, then the product has a stable formulation, but the fragrance level cannot be changed without adding more or less product

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance level adjustabilityVSAvoidproduct formulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fragrance system is segmented into multiple fragrance components (first fragrance, second fragrance, third fragrance) with different properties and release characteristics. This allows the product to provide multiple fragrance levels and types without requiring multiple separate products, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite fragrance system combining free fragrance, encapsulated fragrance, and fragrance bound to inert material. This composite approach enables flexible fragrance level adjustment while maintaining a single stable product formulation, as the different fragrance forms release at different rates and under different conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If high proportions of fragrance are used in solid fragrance concentrates, then the fragrance intensity is high, but the product lacks encapsulated fragrance for controlled release

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance concentrationVSAvoidfragrance release duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state and release parameters of fragrance by using three different forms: free fragrance for immediate release, encapsulated fragrance for controlled delayed release, and fragrance bound to inert material for prolonged release. This multi-parameter approach allows high fragrance concentration while achieving extended duration of action through different release mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If polyethylene glycol is used as a carrier for fragrance, then the fragrance can be delivered in solid form, but the product may not be environmentally friendly or compatible with all wash cycles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolid form deliveryVSAvoidenvironmental compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention assigns different functional roles to different components based on their local qualities: polyethylene glycol provides solid form and solubility control, inert material provides fragrance binding and environmental compatibility, and encapsulated materials provide controlled release. This division of functional qualities allows the product to achieve solid form delivery while maintaining environmental compatibility through selective component placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 provides controlled fragrance release, improved solubility, and agglomeration control, making it suitable for different wash cycles and markets, while being environmentally friendly and compatible with laundry detergents and fabric softeners.

Implementation Method 1

encapsulated fragrance contained within a microcapsule

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

from 30 to 65% by weight of polyethylene glycol, from 0 to 40% by weight of a C8-C22-alkyl polyalkoxylate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS10836985B2Solid composition comprising free and encapsulated fragrances
Publication Date: 2020.11.17 TAKASAGO INTERNATIONAL CORP

AI summary

A solid composition contains (a) from 30 to 65% by weight of a polyethylene glycol, (b) from 0 to 40% by weight of a C8-C22-alkyl polyalkoxylate including at least 40 alkoxylate units, (c) from 0.5 to 15% by weight of free fragrance, (d) from 0.1 to 15% by weight of encapsulated fragrance, and (e) from 1 to 35% by weight of an alkaline metal salt, alkaline earth metal salt or salt of an inorganic or C1-C6-alkyl organic acid, or mixture thereof.