Upside-Down Anesthetic Spray Composition for Stable Fine Mist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anesthetic sprays for postpartum perineal pain management face issues with nozzle failures, formula instability, and inconsistent spray patterns due to surface tension and viscosity fluctuations, leading to sputtering and inadequate skin coverage, especially when used upside-down.
Innovation Solution
A sprayable composition comprising benzocaine, a skin protectant, and a surface tension modifier, along with a specialized spray assembly, allows for a fine mist delivery even when the container is upside-down, ensuring consistent coverage and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anesthetic sprays are used, then pain relief function is provided, but nozzle failures and sputtering occur due to formula instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the spray formula by adjusting viscosity (to 10-100 cP), surface tension (to 20-40 mN/m), and alcohol content (5-20% v/v) to optimize both stability and spray performance. These parameter changes prevent precipitation and thickening while maintaining reliable nozzle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite formula system combining multiple ingredients including alcohol, water, anesthetic agents (benzocaine, lidocaine), skin protectants (petrolatum, mineral oil, glycerin), and optional active ingredients. This composite approach ensures formula stability while preventing nozzle failures through balanced composition.
2Area of stationary object
If spray formula viscosity is increased for better skin coverage, then coverage improves, but spray flow and atomization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes viscosity to a specific range of 10-100 cP, which is thick enough to provide good skin coverage and adhesion but thin enough to maintain adequate spray flow and atomization. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between coverage and spray performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray formula exhibits non-Newtonian fluid behavior with shear-thinning properties, allowing it to flow easily under spray pressure (high productivity) while maintaining higher viscosity at rest for better skin coverage. This dynamic viscosity adjustment resolves the contradiction.
3Ease of operation
If spray is used upside-down for hands-free application, then ease of operation improves, but spray consistency deteriorates due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent formulates the spray with specific viscosity (10-100 cP) and surface tension (20-40 mN/m) parameters that maintain consistent atomization and spray pattern regardless of container orientation. This allows reliable upside-down application while maintaining spray consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable aerosol can design with integrated spray mechanism that is optimized for single-use or limited-use scenarios. The can is designed to be used in various orientations including upside-down, eliminating the need for complex anti-gravity mechanisms while maintaining spray consistency throughout the product lifecycle.
4Shape
If surface tension is reduced for better atomization, then spray pattern improves, but formula stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes surface tension to a specific range of 20-40 mN/m through careful selection and formulation of ingredients including alcohol, water, and skin protectants. This surface tension level enables proper atomization and droplet formation while maintaining formula stability and preventing separation or precipitation.
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 effective pain relief and skin healing benefits with a fine mist pattern, maintaining viscosity and stability, promoting faster healing and comfort during postpartum recovery.
Implementation Method 1
Nozzle and spray failures are very common in aerosols. Formula instability can cause an aerosol nozzle to fail or sputter due to several related mechanisms. Instability in the formula can lead to precipitation, thickening or thinning inside the nozzle or fluid pathways. This restricts or intermittently blocks fluid flow, causing sputtering or inconsistencies in spray patterns.
Implementation Method 2
Inadequate fluid pressure or flow allows propellant to mix irregularly with the fluid inside the nozzle, leading to sputtering or spitting that disrupts smooth spraying.
Data Source
AI summary
A sprayable composition that includes up to 10% benzocaine, a skin protectant selected from the group consisting of petrolatum, mineral oil, glycerin, and a propellant. The benzocaine provides a cooling and/or numbing sensation to a treated area, while the skin protectant enhances healing of skin. The composition may be sprayed unto the perineum area, which can become sore, bruised, or even torn during the baby delivery process. The composition may also be sprayed from a container when the container is upside-down.