Fiber-Gradient Wiping Laminate for Uniform Liquid Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wet wipes suffer from uneven liquid distribution and rapid depletion of liquid, leading to unsatisfactory wiping performance and frequent reloading or replacement, due to their high initial liquid load and hydrophobic materials.
Innovation Solution
A wiping material with a fibre gradient, featuring a higher ratio of absorbent fibres at the outer surfaces and non-absorbent fibres in the core region, which slows down liquid transport through capillary networks and maintains a uniform liquid release, using hydroentangled composite layers with cellulose pulp fibres at the surface and polymeric fibres in the core.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the wipe has a high initial load of liquid to be economical and provide adequate wiping for a long period, then the wiping duration is extended, but the wipe becomes soaking wet and releases liquid excessively in the initial phase, making it unpleasant to handle and requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a fibre gradient where the outer surfaces have a different fibre composition (higher absorbent fibre content) than the core region (higher non-absorbent fibre content). This local differentiation allows the outer surfaces to control liquid release and provide comfort during handling, while the core region maintains high liquid capacity for extended wiping duration.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the wipe has a high initial load of liquid, then the wiping duration is extended, but liquid is squeezed out at a higher rate than desired, particularly in the initial phase
Solution Approach 1:
The fibre gradient structure creates local quality differences where outer surfaces with higher absorbent fibre content regulate liquid release, preventing excessive squeeze-out, while the core region with non-absorbent fibres maintains liquid reservoir capacity for prolonged wiping action.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer surface layer acts as an intermediary between the liquid reservoir in the core and the wiped surface. This intermediate layer with its specific fibre composition controls the rate of liquid transfer, preventing rapid squeeze-out while ensuring sustained liquid availability.
3Strength
If the wipe uses hydrophobic materials to maintain structure, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the liquid distribution becomes uneven and wiping performance decreases rapidly as liquid is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite materials by combining absorbent fibres (such as cellulosic fibres) with non-absorbent fibres (such as polymeric fibres). This composite structure integrates the liquid distribution and retention capabilities of absorbent fibres with the structural integrity provided by non-absorbent fibres, ensuring consistent wiping performance throughout the wiping duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The fibre gradient creates local quality variations where outer surfaces enriched with absorbent fibres ensure uniform liquid distribution and consistent wiping performance, while the core region with non-absorbent fibres maintains structural integrity throughout the wiping process.
4Ease of operation
If the wipe is made softer and more textile-like using hydroentangled nonwoven material, then the comfort and usability are improved, but the liquid distribution becomes uneven and the wipe depletes of liquid quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The hydroentangled nonwoven composite combines absorbent and non-absorbent fibres in a gradient structure, maintaining the softness and textile-like comfort of hydroentangled materials while extending wiping duration through optimized liquid distribution and retention properties.
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 material provides a more uniform and prolonged wiping performance, reducing liquid squeeze-out and maintaining effectiveness over a larger surface area without the need for frequent reloading, while being comfortable to handle.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid will primarily be contained in the core region of the material. The core region preferably has a high bulk with large pores that can accommodate the liquid but that will readily release liquid when the wiping material is being used
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet of wiping material has a first outer surface and a second outer surface and a core region between the surfaces. The wiping material includes absorbent fibers and non-absorbent fibers. The wiping material has a stratified structure with a fiber gradient and a higher ratio of absorbent fibers to non-absorbent fibers at the outer surfaces of the wiping material than in the core region. A method of producing the wiping material is described.