Water-Soluble Pouch Composition for Strength and Rapid Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water-soluble pouches face challenges in balancing solubility with structural integrity, compatibility with food products, high production costs, regulatory compliance, and consumer acceptance, particularly in the food industry.
Innovation Solution
A water-soluble pouch formulation comprising specific ingredients such as solvents, binders, thickeners, fillers, plasticizers, and sequestering agents, along with optional emulsifiers, to enhance solubility, structural integrity, and compatibility with food products, while reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If water-soluble materials are used for pouches, then environmental sustainability and convenience are improved, but structural integrity and handling durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining water-soluble polymers (PVA, PVOH) with water-soluble plastics to create a pouch material that maintains structural integrity while being environmentally sustainable. This composite approach allows the pouch to have both the desired strength for handling and the solubility for environmental benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the molecular weight, degree of hydrolysis, and crystallinity of the water-soluble polymers used. By adjusting these parameters, the pouch achieves optimal balance between structural strength and water solubility, allowing it to maintain integrity during handling but dissolve effectively when exposed to water.
2Ease of operation
If water-soluble pouches are designed to dissolve quickly, then convenience and environmental friendliness are improved, but structural stability during storage and handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the dissolution speed while maintaining structural stability by adjusting parameters such as the degree of crystallinity and molecular weight of the water-soluble polymers. Higher crystallinity and molecular weight provide structural stability during storage, while still allowing controlled dissolution when exposed to water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the pouch to exhibit different properties under different conditions: it maintains structural stability under dry storage and handling conditions, but transitions to rapid dissolution when exposed to water. This dynamic behavior allows the pouch to satisfy both contradictory requirements.
3Loss of substance
If traditional packaging materials are replaced with water-soluble alternatives, then plastic waste is reduced, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of disposable objects by using water-soluble materials that can be produced at lower costs compared to traditional plastics. The pouch is designed as a single-use item that dissolves after use, eliminating the need for expensive recycling infrastructure and reducing long-term waste management costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by allowing the pouch to naturally dissolve in water, recovering the materials in a harmless form that can return to the environment. This eliminates the need for energy-intensive recycling processes and reduces overall production and disposal costs.
4Ease of operation
If water-soluble materials are used in food products, then portion control and convenience are improved, but compatibility with food products (especially those containing moisture or fats) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple water-soluble polymers (PVA, PVOH, and water-soluble plastics) to create a pouch that is compatible with various food products. This composite structure provides resistance to premature degradation from moisture and fats while maintaining the desired water solubility for dissolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the hydrophobicity and chemical composition of the water-soluble materials to improve compatibility with food products. By modifying these parameters, the pouch resists premature degradation from contact with moisture and fats in food, while still dissolving effectively when intended.
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 formulation ensures fast dissolution, mechanical strength, and compatibility with food products, addressing regulatory concerns and reducing production costs, thereby enhancing consumer acceptance and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
binder
Implementation Method 2
thickener
Implementation Method 3
plasticizer
Implementation Method 4
sequestering agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a water-soluble pouch, methods of manufacturing the same, as well as methods of orally administering the same.