C-Fold Wipe Stack Design for Dual-Edge Extraction Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folded wipe arrangements face manufacturing complexity and difficulties in extracting wipes due to misalignment of wipe edges with the pack opening, making it hard for users to reliably retrieve wipes.
Innovation Solution
A stack of non-interleaved folded wipes with a C-fold pattern, featuring three folds that define 3 x 2 panels, where the first and second side panels are folded onto the centre panels without overlapping, creating two accessible edges for easy extraction, and the third fold anchors these edges, ensuring reliable grip and extraction even if one edge is obstructed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional folding arrangements are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but extraction reliability deteriorates due to edge misalignment with pack opening
Solution Approach 1:
The wipe is divided into multiple panels (first side panel, centre panel, second side panel) through specific fold lines, creating distinct functional zones. This segmentation allows different edges to be positioned at different locations, ensuring at least one edge remains accessible for extraction even if others are misaligned with the pack opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding pattern creates an asymmetric arrangement where the first and second edges are positioned at different locations relative to the pack opening. This asymmetry ensures that extraction is not dependent on precise alignment of a single edge, improving reliability by providing multiple potential grip points.
2Ease of operation
If multiple folds are created to provide multiple edges, then extraction ease is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding structure is segmented into three main panels created by two fold lines, which provides multiple edges for extraction while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The segments are arranged to expose first and second edges at different locations, facilitating easy extraction without requiring complex multi-layer folding.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of folding the wipe to hide edges, the folding pattern is designed to expose multiple edges at different locations. The first side panel is folded to expose the first edge, while the second side panel is folded to expose the second edge, creating multiple accessible pick points for easy extraction.
3Ease of operation
If side panels are folded onto centre panels, then edge exposure is improved, but wipe thickness increases due to overlapping
Solution Approach 1:
The wipe is segmented into side panels and centre panel with fold lines positioned to expose edges without requiring the side panels to overlap the centre panel. This segmentation allows edge exposure while maintaining a compact thickness by avoiding additional overlapping layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding pattern utilizes dimensional arrangement where the first side panel folds in one direction and the second side panel folds in another direction, both exposing their respective edges without overlapping the centre panel. This dimensional arrangement achieves edge accessibility while controlling thickness.
Data Source
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AI summary
A stack of non-interleaved folded wipes is described, each wipe comprising a first fold, a second fold parallel to the first fold, and a third fold perpendicular to the first and second folds, the three folds defining a pattern of 3 x 2 panels, including two first side panels, two centre panels and two second side panels. The first side panels and second side panels are folded onto the centre panels to form a C-fold. The two centre panels are folded against each other so that the first and second side panels are outwardly disposed. In this way, the direction of fold in relation to the first and second folds results in both edges of the wipe (that is, the edges of the side panels) being present on one face of the wipe, while the direction of fold in relation to the third fold results in the side panels, and thus the edges of the side panels, being anchored in place about the exterior of the central panels. As a result, two pick points (edges) can be expected to be available for extracting a wipe from the stack, making it easier for a user to grip and extract the wipe. Even should one of these pick points not be accessible due to a manufacturing problem or due to the way in which a previous wipe of the stack was removed, it is probable that the other pick point will still be available.