Embossed Non-Woven Wipes for Softness and Agent Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wet wipe products, particularly those for personal and baby care, lack sufficient softness and effective distribution of cleansing agents, leading to inadequate skin cleaning and potential diaper rash due to the presence of both water-soluble and oil-soluble fecal matter.
Innovation Solution
A porous or absorbent sheet with a three-dimensional pattern of raised and lowered regions, where the basis weight is uniform across the surface, and the density of the raised regions is lower than the lowered regions, enhancing softness and even distribution of cleansing compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional non-woven materials are used for wet wipes, then the product can be manufactured with basic cleansing properties, but the fabric lacks sufficient softness and strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spunlace non-woven fabric with a three-dimensional pattern of raised and lowered regions. The raised regions have lower density (higher porosity) than the lowered regions, creating a porous structure that provides both softness and strength. This porous structure allows the fabric to maintain mechanical integrity while offering gentle contact with skin, resolving the contradiction between strength and softness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different densities to different regions of the fabric. The raised regions have lower density (higher porosity) while the lowered regions have higher density, creating local quality variations. This local differentiation provides softness in the raised regions for skin contact while maintaining structural strength through the denser lowered regions, without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If flat surface wipes are used, then the structure is simple, but the distribution of cleansing agents is uneven and effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality variations through the three-dimensional pattern where raised regions with lower density serve as reservoirs for cleansing agents. These raised regions release active ingredients more effectively due to their porosity, while the lowered regions provide structural support. This local differentiation improves cleaning effectiveness without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The raised regions function as porous reservoirs that hold and release cleansing agents. The lower density and higher porosity of these regions enable them to absorb and distribute active ingredients more effectively compared to a flat surface, improving cleaning reliability through the inherent properties of the porous structure rather than complex mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If fabric softeners are added to improve softness, then the softness is enhanced, but the distribution of active ingredients becomes less even
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves softness through the physical structure of the raised regions rather than chemical softeners. The lower density and higher porosity of the raised regions provide inherent softness while maintaining uniform distribution of active ingredients throughout the fabric matrix. This structural approach to softness avoids the problem of ingredient clumping that occurs with fabric softeners.
4Reliability
If simple aqueous formulations are used, then the product is simple to manufacture, but it cannot effectively remove both water-soluble and oil-soluble fecal matter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the porous raised regions as reservoirs to deliver both aqueous and oil-based cleansing agents. The porous structure allows for the incorporation and controlled release of multiple formulation types, enabling effective removal of both water-soluble and oil-soluble fecal matter without requiring complex multi-layer structures or separate product components.
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
The embossed pattern improves the softness and effectiveness of wet wipes, ensuring thorough skin cleaning and reducing friction, while allowing for better distribution and release of active ingredients, making them suitable for baby and adult care applications.
Implementation Method 1
a porous or absorbent sheet comprising a substrate wherein a substantial portion of one or both surfaces of the sheet has a three-dimensional pattern embossed therein
Data Source
AI summary
This invention concerns patterned sheets for cleansing and other applications, of porous or absorbent material, in particular of a non-woven material, such as a wipe. It further relates to such a sheet to which a composition has been applied. The invention further concerns the manufacture and use of such products.