Sprayable Freshening Composition with Polysaccharide Structurant

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sprayable freshening compositions fail to stabilize perfume capsules, leading to inconsistent distribution and requiring users to shake the product before use, resulting in extra time and effort and potential uneven freshness delivery.

Innovation Solution

A freshening composition comprising a plurality of particles and a structurant system that includes xanthan gum and konjac gum, locust bean gum, or combinations thereof, with a total polysaccharide level less than 0.1 wt.%, achieving phase stability, low spray shear viscosity, and uniform particle suspension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If structurant systems are used to suspend particles in sprayable compositions, then particle suspension stability is improved, but viscosity increases making the composition non-sprayable or producing large spray droplets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle suspension stabilityVSAvoidsprayability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the structurant system by using specific polysaccharides (xanthan gum, konjac gum, locust bean gum) at controlled concentrations (0.01-0.1 wt%), and adjusts the particle size distribution (Dv10, Dv50, Dv90 values) to achieve optimal balance between suspension stability and sprayability. This resolves the contradiction by finding specific parameter ranges that satisfy both requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite structurant systems combining multiple polysaccharides (xanthan gum, konjac gum, and/or locust bean gum) working synergistically. This composite approach provides enhanced particle suspension stability while maintaining lower viscosity compared to single polysaccharide systems, thus enabling both stable particle distribution and good sprayability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If higher levels of structurant are used to maintain particle suspension, then uniform distribution is improved, but residue on surface increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniform distribution of particlesVSAvoidsurface residue
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the structurant concentration parameter to a specific range (0.01-0.1 wt%) that is sufficient to maintain uniform particle distribution through adequate viscosity and suspension properties, yet low enough to minimize residue deposition on surfaces. This precise parameter control resolves the contradiction between uniform distribution and residue reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates local quality differences in the composition by using a multi-modal particle size distribution where finer particles fill gaps between larger particles, achieving uniform coverage at lower overall structurant levels, thereby reducing residue while maintaining distribution uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If particles are suspended in sprayable composition, then ease of application is improved, but phase stability decreases causing particles to settle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of applicationVSAvoidphase stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates structurant systems in advance during formulation to pre-establish suspension properties that prevent particle settling during storage and transport. This preliminary stabilization action ensures that when the product is ready for application, particles remain uniformly distributed without requiring shaking, thus maintaining both ease of application and phase stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses polysaccharide structurant systems that provide continuous stabilizing action throughout the product shelf life, maintaining particle suspension through ongoing viscous and elastic properties. This continuous stabilization ensures particles remain dispersed during storage while the composition remains sprayable when applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 remains stable, allowing for even distribution of particles, eliminating the need for shaking, and ensuring consistent freshness delivery with minimal residue and optimal spray characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

a sprayable composition comprising benefit delivery particles that remain suspended in the composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuspension: Suspension

Implementation Method 2

the composition has a creep recovery ratio of at least 0.1... and a yield stress of greater than 0 Pa and less than 1.0 Pa

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 3

spraying an aqueous composition into the air or onto a surface in the form of a plurality of spray droplets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerosol: Aerosol

Data Source

PatentEP3490619B1Phase-stable, sprayable freshening compositions comprising suspended particles and methods of freshening the air or a surface with the same
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP3490619B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3490619B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3490619B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A freshening composition is provided. The freshening composition includes a plurality of particles, a structurant system, and an aqueous carrier. The composition has a spray shear viscosity, as measured according to the SPRAY SHEAR VISCOSITY TEST METHOD described herein, of less than about 0.025 Pa-s. The composition has a creep recovery ratio of at least about 0.1, as measured according to the CREEP RECOVERY RATIO TEST METHOD described herein, or a yield stress of greater than 0 Pa and less than 1.0 Pa, as measured by the YIELD STRESS TEST METHOD described herein.