Curvilinear Tissue Pattern Layout for Softness Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for tissue products that convey attributes of softness and femininity while being visually appealing, as existing patterned tissue products fail to meet consumer demands for unique and aesthetically pleasing designs.

Innovation Solution

The development of tissue products featuring a first and second pattern composed of curvilinear design elements, where the patterns relate to each other in terms of shape, scale, and line weight, creating a visually appealing and balanced aesthetic that conveys femininity, softness, and cleansing attributes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional patterns are used on tissue products, then the product provides basic visual appeal, but the product fails to convey attributes of softness and femininity effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern designVSAvoidproduct attribute communication
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvilinear design elements with smooth curves and arcs to create patterns that visually convey softness and femininity. The curvilinear motifs include S-curves, C-curves, and rounded geometric shapes that contrast with traditional straight-lined patterns, directly addressing the need to communicate softness attributes through visual design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Loss of information

If multiple pattern elements are added to convey more attributes, then the visual appeal and attribute communication improve, but the pattern design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct attribute communicationVSAvoidpattern design
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the overall pattern design into distinct curvilinear motifs and design elements that can be independently configured. The pattern comprises multiple curvilinear elements arranged in specific configurations, allowing each element to contribute to different attribute communications while maintaining overall design coherence and manageability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different curvilinear design elements with varying degrees of curvature, density, and orientation to different regions of the tissue product surface. This allows specific areas to emphasize different attributes (e.g., softer curves for femininity, tighter curves for strength) while maintaining overall visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of information

If curvilinear design elements are used to convey softness, then the attribute communication improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattribute communicationVSAvoidpattern formation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies parameter ranges for the curvilinear design elements, including curvature radius, element spacing, and pattern density, to optimize both the visual communication of softness and the manufacturability. By defining acceptable parameter ranges rather than exact values, the design accommodates normal manufacturing variations while maintaining the desired aesthetic effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10208427B2Patterned tissue product
Publication Date: 2019.02.19 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC
  • US10208427B2 patent drawing
  • US10208427B2 patent drawing
  • US10208427B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a patterned tissue product comprising a first surface with a first and a second pattern disposed thereon, the first pattern comprising a curvilinear design element having a first maximum segment length and the second pattern comprising a curvilinear design element having a second maximum segment length wherein the second maximum segment length is from about 50 to about 150 percent of the first maximum segment length.