Fibrous Active Agent Articles With Self-Protective Shipping Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fibrous structures containing active agents face challenges in achieving consumer-acceptable in-use properties such as flexibility, dissolvability, and optimal dimensions, while conventional packaging methods are labor-intensive and costly, leading to inefficiencies in shipping and storage.
Innovation Solution
Development of fibrous structures comprising filament-forming materials with releasable active agents, designed to exhibit specific dimensions and properties, packaged in optimized shipping containers that minimize waste and maximize volume efficiency, allowing for secure and cost-effective distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional packaging materials such as bubble wrap and styrofoam are used, then article protection during shipping is improved, but shipping cost and waste generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional protective packaging materials (bubble wrap, styrofoam) from the shipping assembly by designing the fibrous article itself to provide structural protection through its three-dimensional configuration and interlocking features
Solution Approach 2:
The fibrous article serves its own protective function during shipping through its engineered three-dimensional structure and attachment features, eliminating the need for separate protective packaging materials
2Reliability
If conventional packaging methods are used, then article security during transport is improved, but labor intensity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective packaging function with the fibrous article itself by integrating attachment features and structural elements directly into the article design, creating a unified system that eliminates separate packaging components and reduces assembly labor
Solution Approach 2:
The fibrous article serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides its primary cleaning or personal care function while also serving as its own protective packaging and shipping container through its three-dimensional structure and attachment features
3Ease of operation
If article flexibility is increased for consumer comfort, then consumer acceptance is improved, but article structural integrity during shipping deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different regions of the fibrous article: certain zones are engineered with higher structural integrity for protection during shipping, while other regions maintain flexibility for consumer comfort and dissolution performance
Solution Approach 2:
The fibrous article utilizes composite material structures combining different fiber types, densities, and configurations to achieve spatially varying properties that provide both structural integrity for shipping and flexibility for consumer use
Data Source
AI summary
Active agent-containing articles, for example fibrous structures, that exhibit consumer acceptable article in-use properties, such as flexibility, article dimensions, and/or dissolvability, and product-shipping assemblies for containing the same are provided.