Embossing Pattern With Continuous Contour Plateau
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tissue products with discontinuous embossing elements often exhibit knobbiness and rough handfeel, which can detract from perceived softness and aesthetics, making it difficult to achieve both strength and softness in premium products.
Innovation Solution
The use of a tissue product embossing pattern featuring continuous linear or curvilinear emboss elements with co-planar discontinuous elements that project from the top, providing a defined emboss pattern and improved softness while allowing for lower adhesive levels during ply-bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If discontinuous embossing elements are used, then emboss definition is improved, but handfeel becomes rough and knobbly
Solution Approach 1:
The embossing pattern is segmented into two distinct components: continuous base elements that provide smooth handfeel and discontinuous emboss elements that provide definition. The continuous elements form a plateau base while the discontinuous elements project from the top, allowing each component to fulfill its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the embossing pattern have different qualities: the continuous base elements provide smooth, soft handfeel in the valleys between emboss elements, while the discontinuous emboss elements provide sharp definition at their peaks. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both handfeel and emboss definition.
2Ease of operation
If continuous embossing elements are used, then softness and handfeel are improved, but emboss definition is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The embossing pattern is segmented into two distinct components: continuous base elements that provide smooth handfeel and discontinuous emboss elements that provide definition. The continuous elements form a plateau base while the discontinuous elements project from the top, allowing each component to fulfill its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the embossing pattern by creating discontinuous elements that project upward from the continuous base plateau. This three-dimensional configuration allows the continuous base to provide smooth handfeel while the projecting discontinuous elements provide sharp emboss definition, resolving the contradiction between softness and definition.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional embossing patterns are used, then production is simplified, but knobbiness and friction are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous base elements provide uninterrupted smooth surfaces that reduce friction and knobbiness across the entire embossing pattern. This continuous structure eliminates the need for complex interconnected discontinuous elements, simplifying production while reducing harmful frictional characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the harmful knobbiness and frictional characteristics from the embossing pattern by separating them from the continuous base elements. The discontinuous emboss elements are positioned to project from the smooth continuous base, allowing the base to provide low-friction surfaces while the projections provide necessary emboss definition.
Data Source
AI summary
Embossed tissue products having improved strength and softness are disclosed. The products as described have a continuous curvilinear emboss element which carries discrete emboss elements, thereby providing the product with the softness and handfeel benefits associated with the long linear elements, but the visual appearance of discrete emboss elements.