Cleansing article having printed texture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleansing articles often have single-layered or dual-layered structures with similar permeability and texture differences between sides, lacking distinct textured surfaces for both scrubbing and gentle cleansing, which limits their effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A dual-textured cleansing article with two outer layers made from different materials, one with a coefficient of friction greater than 0.50 and the other less than 0.50, featuring polymeric protuberances and fluid-entangled laminate webs to provide distinct wiping surfaces for scrubbing and gentle cleansing, respectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single layer or dual layer structure with similar permeability is used, then the construction is simple, but the texture difference between sides is insufficient for distinct scrubbing and gentle cleansing functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetexture differentiationVSAvoidlayer construction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by giving each outer layer distinct texturing characteristics - one layer has high texture for scrubbing while the other has low texture for gentle cleansing. This is achieved through different web constructions and texturing agents applied to specific layers, allowing each region of the pad to serve a specific cleaning function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining different nonwoven web types with varying permeabilities - a highly permeable web (500-2000 cfm) for one outer layer and a less permeable web (100-500 cfm) for the other. This material differentiation enables distinct textural properties and functional performance on each side of the pad.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If one surface is made substantially smooth for polishing, then gentle cleansing is improved, but the other surface requires large texture for scrubbing which creates significant texture disparity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegentle cleansingVSAvoidtexture balance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by assigning different texturing levels to different outer layers - one layer maintains a smoother surface for gentle cleansing while the other develops higher texture for scrubbing. This is achieved through selective application of texturing agents and different web base constructions, allowing each side to be optimized for its specific function without excessive texture disparity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If layers with similar permeability are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to provide distinct textured wiping surfaces is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer productionVSAvoidwiping surface distinction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by selecting nonwoven webs with deliberately different permeability ratings - one web with high permeability (500-2000 cfm) and another with lower permeability (100-500 cfm). This material selection enables distinct textural and functional properties on each outer layer while remaining compatible with standard nonwoven manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Manufacturing precision

If polymeric protuberances are added to concentrate dirt, then cleansing efficacy perception is enhanced, but the surface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirt concentrationVSAvoidsurface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming polymeric protuberances on the high-texture outer layer before the cleaning action occurs. These protuberances are created during web formation or subsequent processing, positioning dirt-trapping structures in advance to concentrate removed soil and enhance the user's perception of cleansing efficacy during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances the user's perception of cleansing efficacy by concentrating dirt on raised areas and providing distinct tactile experiences for effective cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

heating the printed nonwoven web at a temperature of at least about 120° C. to form a plurality of polymeric protuberances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

the first outer surface has a coefficient of friction greater than 0.50 and the second outer surface has a coefficient of friction less than 0.50

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10349799B2Cleansing article having printed texture
Publication Date: 2019.07.16 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC
  • US10349799B2 patent drawing
  • US10349799B2 patent drawing
  • US10349799B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to cleansing articles comprising first and second members forming the first and second outer surface of the article respectively, where the coefficient of friction and/or permeability of the members are different. In certain embodiments the first member comprises a plurality of polymeric protuberances and the second member comprises a plurality of hollow projections.