Two-Chamber Whitening System with Bleach Activator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tooth whitening compositions do not provide sufficient whitening action and stability, as they rely solely on peroxide agents that can degrade over time and fail to effectively penetrate the enamel layer for enhanced whitening.

Innovation Solution

A two-component tooth whitening system comprising a whitening agent and a bleach activator, such as an activated ester, stored separately until mixed, which enhances whitening efficacy and stability by forming a peracid that is a better oxidant, thereby improving bleaching effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional peroxide-based tooth whitening compositions are used, then whitening action is provided, but the whitening efficacy is insufficient and the composition degrades over time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidwhitening efficacy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the whitening composition into two separate storage chambers: one containing peroxide and another containing bleach activator. This segmentation prevents premature reaction between components, maintaining stability during storage while enabling enhanced whitening efficacy when the components are mixed and applied to teeth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary preparation by pre-loading the storage chambers with stable, inactive components (peroxide and bleach activator separately). When needed, these pre-prepared components are mixed in situ on the teeth, allowing the peroxide to be activated by the bleach activator and generate peracids that provide enhanced whitening action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If peroxide concentration is increased to enhance whitening action, then whitening efficacy improves, but stability and safety during storage deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewhitening actionVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the composition into separate chambers containing peroxide and bleach activator, the system allows use of higher peroxide concentrations without compromising stability, as the peroxide remains isolated from the bleach activator during storage and only reacts when applied to teeth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bleach activator serves as an intermediary that converts peroxide into more effective peracid species in situ. This allows the system to achieve enhanced whitening action through peracid formation rather than relying solely on high concentrations of stable but less effective peroxide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If single-component peroxide compositions are used, then the system is simple, but whitening penetration and efficacy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidwhitening penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a simple two-chamber design that segments the whitening components, providing enhanced penetration and efficacy through peracid formation while maintaining operational simplicity through integrated storage and application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a composite whitening effect by combining peroxide and bleach activator components that work synergistically. The bleach activator enhances peroxide penetration into enamel and promotes formation of peracids that provide superior whitening action compared to peroxide alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 system achieves superior and faster whitening compared to conventional compositions, maintaining stability and efficacy over multiple uses, as demonstrated by increased peracid generation and prolonged whitening treatment.

Implementation Method 1

The primary active ingredient in such products and substances that provides whitening action, known as the whitening agent, is a peroxide which whitens teeth by oxidizing the organic matrix of teeth.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

combining at least one whitening agent and at least one bleach activator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3383357B1Hydrogen peroxide booster system for enhanced teeth whitening
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO
  • EP3383357B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3383357B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3383357B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a tooth whitening system, including at least one whitening agent disposed in a first storage chamber, and least one bleach activator disposed in a second storage chamber.