Embossed Multi-Ply Tissue Structure for Absorption and Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellulosic materials used for absorbent products like toilet paper and kitchen towels lack enhanced technical-functional and aesthetic characteristics, particularly in terms of absorption capacity, tactile feel, and decorative patterns, which are achieved through embossing but can be improved.
Innovation Solution
An embossed multi-ply cellulosic material is developed with at least one outer ply decorated by embossing, featuring raised decorative elements separated by a gluing surface that covers a significant portion of the material's surface, allowing for increased absorption and aesthetic appeal, with the gluing surface surrounding the decorative elements forming a continuous, variable distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If embossing is applied to increase absorption capacity and tactile characteristics, then the apparent thickness and absorption capacity are improved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The embossed surface is segmented into discrete raised decorative elements separated by gluing surfaces, allowing the embossing to provide localized functional benefits (absorption, tactile characteristics) without requiring complex continuous structural modifications throughout the entire material
Solution Approach 2:
The embossing creates localized raised decorative elements with specific functional properties (increased absorption, tactile characteristics) only where needed, while the surrounding gluing surfaces maintain structural integrity and adhesion functions, achieving functional differentiation without overall structural complexity
2Shape
If embossing is used to create decorative patterns, then aesthetic characteristics are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative pattern is segmented into discrete raised elements rather than continuous complex patterns, simplifying the embossing tool design and reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 2:
The gluing surface acts as an intermediary element that separates and defines the decorative elements, allowing the embossing process to focus on creating simple raised shapes while the glue pattern provides the precise boundary definition, reducing the precision burden on the embossing tool
3Strength
If glue is applied to couple plies together, then the bonding strength is improved, but the visible surface area and aesthetic quality may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The glue application is segmented to be confined to specific inter-element spaces between raised decorative elements rather than covering the entire surface, ensuring adequate bonding strength at critical locations while preserving the visible surface area and aesthetic quality of the embossed patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The gluing is applied locally at specific locations (inter-element spaces) where bonding is most critical for structural integrity, while leaving the majority of the surface area available for aesthetic display, achieving optimal balance between strength and visual appearance
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 solution enhances the technical-functional and aesthetic qualities of cellulosic materials by increasing absorption capacity, tactile experience, and decorative effectiveness, with the embossed design and extensive gluing surface area contributing to better removal of solid or liquid materials and visually striking patterns.
Implementation Method 1
This operation consists in making the cellulosic material pass in a nip between two rollers provided with protuberances and/or cavities and, as the case may be, one of them provided with an elastically yielding surface, to give a mechanical deformation to the base cellulosic material
Implementation Method 2
Coupling is performed by applying a glue on at least some of the protuberances formed by embossing on at least one of the plies forming the multi-layer material by means of a glue dispenser
Data Source
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AI summary
The cellulosic material (N) comprises at least one first outer ply (V1) and at least one second outer ply (V2), at least one of which is decorated with an embossing (P), and the plies are joined through gluing. The embossing defines raised decorative elements (P), projecting outwards relative to a gluing surface, where the ply (V1) decorated with said embossing is glued to an underlying ply (V2). The decorative elements are separated from each other by the gluing surface (SB) and the glued area covers at least 15% of the overall surface of the cellulosic material.