Multi-Region Fibrous Detergent Structure for Strength and Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fibrous structures used in detergents are prone to stiffness, fracture, and incomplete dissolution during washing, leading to suboptimal cleaning performance and potential clogging of washing machines due to their non-dissolvable nature and adhesive properties.
Innovation Solution
A fibrous structure comprising a network region, discrete zones, and a transition region with varying densities, made from filament-forming materials and active agents that are releasable during use, allowing for improved strength, dissolution, and non-adhesive properties to prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the nonwoven substrate is made from undissolvable fibers to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but the substrate does not dissolve during washing and leaves remnants
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrous structure is divided into multiple regions with different properties: a network region providing structural integrity and discrete zones containing detergent composition. This segmentation allows different parts to serve different functions - the network region maintains strength while the discrete zones are designed to dissolve and release detergent
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fibrous structure have different intensive properties. The network region has higher density and structural stability, while the discrete zones have lower density and are designed to dissolve. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by having strength in where needed and dissolution where detergent release is required
2Ease of operation
If the detergent composition is delivered at a low level to prevent clogging, then ease of operation is improved, but cleaning performance is less than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The discrete zones are designed with porous or open structures that allow for high detergent loading capacity while maintaining water permeability. This enables sufficient detergent delivery without creating dense structures that would cause clogging
Solution Approach 2:
The fibrous structure combines dissolvable and non-dissolvable components in a composite structure. The discrete zones containing detergent composition are designed to dissolve, releasing the detergent, while the network region provides structural support. This composite approach enables both high detergent delivery and non-clogging properties
3Shape
If the web material is made stiff to maintain shape, then shape is improved, but the material is prone to fracture upon handling
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into a network region that provides overall shape and discrete zones that can independently dissolve. This segmentation allows the network region to maintain structural form while being flexible enough to resist fracture, as the discrete zones can accommodate stress through dissolution
Solution Approach 2:
The fibrous structure transitions from a static, uniformly stiff structure to a dynamic structure where discrete zones can dissolve in response to environmental conditions. This dynamic property allows the structure to adapt - maintaining shape when needed but becoming more flexible and fracture-resistant during handling and washing
4Ease of operation
If the web material has adhesive properties to stick during handling, then ease of operation is improved, but it sticks to washing machine surfaces during the washing cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrous structure separates handling functions from washing functions through spatial segmentation. The network region provides structural integrity for handling, while the discrete zones contain the adhesive detergent composition. During handling, the network region provides structure without excessive adhesion. During washing, the discrete zones dissolve and release detergent, preventing unwanted adhesion to washing machine surfaces
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 fibrous structure provides enhanced cleaning performance by ensuring sufficient detergent release and preventing machine clogging, while maintaining structural integrity and dissolving completely during use.
Implementation Method 1
one or more active agents that are releasable from the filament when exposed to conditions of intended use
Data Source
AI summary
A fibrous structure including filaments wherein the filaments comprise one or more filament-forming materials and one or more active agents that are releasable from the filament when exposed to conditions of intended use, the fibrous structure further having at least three regions. Methods of treating fabrics with a fibrous structure are also provided herein.