Composite Fiber Sheet Structure for Low-Weight Tensile Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber articles, such as air conditioner filters, face challenges in improving strength while reducing weight, particularly in maintaining tensile strength in the minimum strength direction.

Innovation Solution

A fiber article composed of first fibers with a larger outer diameter supporting second fibers with a smaller outer diameter, within a specific basis weight and tensile strength range, enhances entanglement and dispersion to improve strength and reduce weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of stationary object

If the basis weight of the fiber article is reduced to decrease weight, then weight is reduced, but tensile strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of fiber articleVSAvoidtensile strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fiber article uses a composite structure combining first fibers (larger outer diameter) and second fibers (smaller outer diameter) with different properties. The first fibers provide structural support and strength, while the second fibers fill spaces and enhance filtration performance. This composite approach allows weight reduction through optimized fiber selection while maintaining tensile strength through the synergistic combination of different fiber types and their interlocking network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies different fiber types at different locations within the fiber article structure. The first fibers with larger outer diameters are positioned to provide structural framework and tensile strength, while second fibers with smaller outer diameters are distributed to fill interstices and enhance local filtration capabilities. This local differentiation of fiber properties enables the article to achieve both weight reduction and strength maintenance through optimized spatial distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Weight of stationary object

If the basis weight is reduced to improve weight reduction, then weight is reduced, but filter performance may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of fiber articleVSAvoidfilter performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fiber article employs local quality differentiation by using first fibers with larger outer diameters positioned to provide structural support and framework, while second fibers with smaller outer diameters are distributed throughout to fill spaces and enhance filtration performance in critical areas. This localized optimization of fiber properties ensures that weight reduction does not compromise filter performance, as each fiber type is strategically placed to maximize its functional contribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure combining first and second fibers with different outer diameters creates a multi-functional material system. The first fibers provide structural integrity and basic filtration, while the second fibers enhance surface area and capture efficiency for particulate matter. This composite approach enables the fiber article to achieve both weight reduction and maintained or improved filter performance through the synergistic interaction of different fiber types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4707445A1Fiber article
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 DAICEL CORP
  • EP4707445A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4707445A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4707445A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to, for a fiber article including first fibers and second fibers each having an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of each of the first fibers, improve strength while weight is reduced for the fiber article. A fiber article of the present invention is sheet shaped and includes a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers each having an outer diameter smaller than that of each of the plurality of first fibers, the plurality of second fibers being supported in a dispersed state by the plurality of first fibers. The basis weight of the fiber article has a value in a range of 60 g/m2 or greater and 300 g/m2 or less. The fiber article has a tensile strength in a minimum strength direction in which the tensile strength is minimized among directions perpendicular to a thickness direction of a value in a range of 0.8 N/10 mm or greater and 100 N/10 mm or less.