Active-Agent Fibrous Structures with Defined Edge Seals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fibrous structures with active agents struggle to achieve consumer-acceptable in-use properties, including structural integrity, flexibility, and dissolvability, particularly in multi-ply articles, due to inadequate edge seal strength and breadth.

Innovation Solution

The development of fibrous structures with a defined edge seal along the perimeter, exhibiting an edge seal strength of 0.04 N/cm to 1.6 N/cm and a breadth of 0.5 mm to 4 mm, combined with water-soluble elements and particles, to enhance structural integrity and flexibility while ensuring smooth dissolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fibrous structures comprise one or more active agents that are releasable from the fibrous elements, then the article provides functional performance, but the article fails to exhibit sufficient structural integrity and does not resist prematurely falling apart during manufacturing, distribution, and dispensing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidedge seal strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by specifying precise edge seal strength (0.04 N/cm to 1.6 N/cm) and edge seal breadth (0.5 mm to 4 mm) parameters to resolve the contradiction between structural integrity and edge seal performance. These parameter ranges optimize the balance between maintaining article integrity during handling and enabling proper dissolution during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the article exhibits sufficient edge seal strength to prevent premature separation, then structural integrity is improved, but the article becomes too stiff and loses flexibility during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveedge seal strengthVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the strength-flexibility contradiction through parameter changes by defining specific ranges for edge seal strength (0.04 N/cm to 1.6 N/cm) and edge seal breadth (0.5 mm to 4 mm). These parameters create an optimal balance where the edge seal provides sufficient structural integrity while maintaining article flexibility for consumer use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the article exhibits sufficient dissolution during use, then dissolvability is improved, but the article loses structural integrity and falls apart prematurely during manufacturing and distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedissolution rateVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a differentiated edge seal structure with specific strength and breadth parameters that provides localized reinforcement at the article periphery. This localized structural enhancement prevents premature falling apart during handling while allowing the central portions to dissolve properly during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If multi-ply fibrous structures are used to enhance article dimensions and performance, then functional performance is improved, but the article exhibits insufficient edge seal breadth and strength, causing premature separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticle performanceVSAvoidedge seal breadth

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the multi-ply structure contradiction through parameter changes by specifying edge seal breadth (0.5 mm to 4 mm) and edge seal strength (0.04 N/cm to 1.6 N/cm) parameters. These parameters ensure adequate edge seal performance in multi-ply configurations while maintaining overall article performance and preventing premature separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4197598B1Active agent-containing articles that exhibit consumer acceptable article in-use properties

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4

AI summary

Active agent-containing articles, for example fibrous structures, that exhibit consumer acceptable article in-use properties, such as edge seal strength, edge seal breadth, flexibility, article dimensions, and/or dissolvability are provided.