Tobacco Compositions with Controlled Release Matrices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tobacco products lack innovative formulations that provide controlled and sustained release of tobacco organoleptic components, flavor, and ease of use, which limits consumer satisfaction and preference.

Innovation Solution

Development of tobacco compositions in various forms such as films, tabs, gels, and shaped parts that include additives like flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives, designed for oral disintegration, providing controlled release of tobacco satisfaction over a period and ease of use through specific manufacturing methods like extrusion, casting, and printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tobacco products use traditional formulations, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but consumer satisfaction and preference are limited due to lack of controlled and sustained release

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrolled and sustained release of tobacco organoleptic componentsVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining tobacco particles with various carriers (such as sugars, starches, or other food-grade materials) to create a matrix structure that enables controlled release. This composite approach allows the tobacco organoleptic components to be released sustainably over time while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established food processing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If tobacco compositions are designed for oral disintegration, then ease of use is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoiddisintegration rate control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the physical and chemical properties of the carrier materials and their ratios with tobacco particles. By modifying parameters such as particle size, moisture content, and carrier composition, the disintegration rate can be precisely controlled to achieve optimal ease of use while maintaining manufacturability through standard processing equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If various additives like flavors and sweeteners are incorporated, then consumer experience is enhanced, but formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumer satisfactionVSAvoidadditive formulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by selecting carrier materials that serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide the matrix for controlled release, contribute desirable flavors, add sweetness, and ensure safe oral disintegration. This multi-functionality approach enhances consumer satisfaction while avoiding the need for separate additive formulations, thereby reducing overall formulation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Duration of action of moving object

If controlled release mechanisms are implemented, then duration of action is extended, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of tobacco satisfactionVSAvoidrelease mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by designing a passive controlled release system where the carrier matrix naturally releases tobacco organoleptic components over time through diffusion and gradual dissolution in the oral environment. This eliminates the need for active release mechanisms or complex controlling systems, extending duration of action while maintaining simplicity in the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10098376B2Tobacco compositions
Publication Date: 2018.10.16 U S SMOKELESS TOBACCO COMPANY LLC

AI summary

The invention features tobacco compositions and methods of their use and manufacture. Compositions of the invention may be based on a variety of technologies. Technologies include films, tabs, shaped parts, gels, consumable units, insoluble matrices, and hollow shapes. In addition to tobacco, compositions may also contain flavors, colors, and other additives as described herein. Compositions may also be orally disintegrable. Exemplary compositions and methods of their manufacture are described herein.