Active-Agent Fibrous Structures With Controlled Release Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers seek new and improved fibrous structures with enhanced performance and properties, particularly those containing water-soluble filaments and active agents, which existing fibrous structures fail to provide.
Innovation Solution
Development of fibrous structures comprising a plurality of fibrous elements and active agent-containing particles, where the active agents are releasable under conditions of intended use, and the structure can be formed through a method involving spinning fibrous element-forming compositions and associating active agent-containing particles with the fibrous elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fibrous structures with water-insoluble filaments and particles are used, then structural stability is maintained, but functionality and performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrous structure is segmented into distinct components: water-soluble filaments containing active agents and water-insoluble particles. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the water-soluble filaments provide functionality through active agent release when dissolved, while the water-insoluble particles maintain structural stability, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining water-soluble filament-forming materials (providing adaptability and functionality) with water-insoluble particles (providing structural stability). This composite approach allows the fibrous structure to simultaneously achieve both enhanced functionality through active agent release and maintained structural integrity during use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If water-soluble filaments with active agents are incorporated, then performance and functionality are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Active agents are incorporated into the filament-forming material during the fiber formation process itself, rather than as a separate post-treatment step. This preliminary action of including active agents in the spinning composition simplifies manufacturing by combining multiple functions (fiber formation and active agent delivery) into a single process step, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while enhancing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the fiber formation process with active agent incorporation by including active agents in the filament-forming composition before spinning. This combining of functions reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating separate steps for fiber production and active agent application, while simultaneously enhancing performance through integrated active agent delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If active agent-containing particles are added to fibrous structures, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water-soluble filaments containing active agents automatically release their active agents when exposed to water during intended use conditions. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex release systems, triggers, or external activation mechanisms, thereby improving functionality through simple, automatic active agent delivery while minimizing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes (specifically, water solubility) to trigger active agent release. The water-soluble filament-forming materials change their physical state from solid to dissolved when exposed to water, automatically releasing active agents without requiring complex mechanical or chemical trigger systems. This approach enhances functionality while keeping the structure simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Fibrous structures containing one or more particles, and methods for making same are provided.