Encapsulated Dry Wiper Structure for Triggered Agent Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wet wipes require cumbersome packaging and can become useless if not sealed properly, while dry wipes often need additional steps like liquid or pressure application for active ingredient release, making them less convenient for transport and use.
Innovation Solution
A substantially dry wiper composed of two substrate webs with encapsulated agents that can be triggered by specific events such as pressure, moisture, or contact with certain substances, allowing for easy activation and use without specialized packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wet wipes are used to deliver functional substances, then the active ingredient is readily available for use, but cumbersome packaging is required and the wipes may dry out if not sealed properly
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid medium and functional substances are extracted from the traditional wet wipe format and replaced with encapsulated agents in dry powder or granular form. This eliminates the need for moisture-proof packaging while maintaining the ability to deliver active ingredients when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the functional substance is changed from liquid (requiring sealing) to dry encapsulated form (stable without sealing). The capsules contain the active ingredient in a stable dry state that only becomes active when triggered by specific conditions such as moisture, pressure, or mechanical activation.
2Device complexity
If dry wipes with encapsulated substances are used, then transport is easier without specialized packaging, but additional steps like liquid or pressure application are needed for active ingredient release
Solution Approach 1:
The capsules are pre-positioned within the wiper structure during manufacturing, with release mechanisms already in place. The functional substance is pre-encapsulated in a form that will automatically release under specific triggering conditions, eliminating the need for user application of liquid or pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsules are designed to self-release their contents when exposed to triggering conditions such as moisture, pressure, or mechanical stress during normal use. The wiper structure itself provides the mechanism for capsule activation, requiring no additional user actions beyond normal wiping motions.
3Ease of operation
If encapsulated agents are applied to the surface of the wiper, then the functional substance can be released upon triggering, but the encapsulation may be damaged during dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The capsules are nested within the layered structure of the wiper, sandwiched between substrate layers. This protective nesting shields the capsules from damage during handling and dispensing, while still allowing them to be triggered by appropriate stimuli during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper structure provides cushioning and protection to the capsules before they are activated. The substrate layers and overall wiper construction absorb mechanical stresses during dispensing and handling, preventing premature capsule rupture while maintaining integrity until intentional activation.
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
Enables convenient transport and use of dry wipes with controlled release of active agents, eliminating the need for cumbersome packaging and ensuring effective cleaning or hygiene without additional preparation steps.
Implementation Method 1
at least one primary capsule disposed between the substrate webs and that encapsulates a primary agent
Implementation Method 2
The primary agent is released from the primary capsule to the substrate webs upon the occurrence of a primary triggering event
Data Source
AI summary
A substantially dry wiper having first and second substrate webs joined together in a face-to-face configuration with at least one primary capsule between the two substrate webs is disclosed. The primary capsule encapsulates a primary agent that is released from the capsule upon the occurrence of a primary triggering event. A method for using such a wiper to clean a surface is also disclosed.