Absorbent Sheet Embossing Pattern for Absorption and Strength
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent sheets for household or industrial wiping applications, such as paper towels, do not adequately enhance absorption capacity and resistance while maintaining a desirable aesthetic and feel.
Innovation Solution
The development of an absorbent sheet comprising at least two plies of creped paper with an embossing pattern where protuberances are distributed in concentric circles or spirals around the geometric center, providing cavities and improved mechanical strength, and optionally complemented with parallel lines, enhancing absorption and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional uniform embossing patterns are used, then manufacturing is simple, but absorption capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The embossing pattern applies different protuberance densities to different zones of the sheet. The central zone has higher protuberance density for maximum absorption, while peripheral zones have reduced density. This local variation optimizes absorption capacity in the most critical area without uniformly increasing complexity across the entire sheet.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet is divided into multiple embossed zones with distinct protuberance patterns. Each zone can be independently optimized for its specific function, allowing the central zone to maximize absorption while peripheral zones maintain structural integrity and aesthetic appearance.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple plies are combined to increase absorption, then absorption capacity improves, but tensile strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple plies are nested together with their embossed surfaces facing each other, creating an interlocking structure. The protuberances on adjacent plies fit into the cavities formed by opposing protuberances, creating mechanical interlocking that strengthens the bond between plies while maintaining high absorption capacity through the cavities.
3Quantity of substance
If protuberances are densely distributed, then absorption capacity increases, but aesthetic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
High protuberance density is concentrated in the central zone where absorption is most critical, while peripheral zones feature reduced density or different patterns. This creates a gradient that maintains aesthetic quality at the edges while maximizing absorption in the center.
Solution Approach 2:
The embossing pattern incorporates curved and radial elements that follow natural aesthetic principles, with protuberances arranged in concentric or radial patterns that are visually appealing while maintaining functional absorption properties.
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
This configuration significantly improves the absorption capacity and resistance of the sheet while offering an attractive aesthetic, with enhanced tensile strength and absorption rates compared to traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
embossing gives bulk to the sheet and improves the absorption of liquids
Implementation Method 2
embossing each of the folds separately so as to form protrusions on the surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a cut or pre-cut absorbent sheet particularly intended for wiping, that comprises at least two plies or groups of plies of a creped absorbent paper having a basic weight between 12 and 35 g/m2 per ply, wherein at least one of said plies has an embossing pattern including protrusions extending towards the inside of said sheet while providing cavities between them. According to the invention, a portion of the protrusions is distributed on at least one of the plies in order to define curve portions, in particular concentric circles about or in the vicinity of the geometrical centre (0) of the outline (1) of the sheet; the set of protrusions (10) of a same ply of a sheet define alignments that define an embossing pattern having a central symmetry relative to the geometrical centre (0) of the outline (1) of said sheet.