Fibrous Structures Knuckle Pillow Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fibrous structures, such as sanitary tissue products, do not adequately meet consumer demands for superior performance properties like strength and absorbency while also being visually appealing.
Innovation Solution
A papermaking belt with a pattern of knuckles and pillows is used to create fibrous structures that enhance both functional performance and aesthetic appeal by imparting a three-dimensional impression, which can be further enhanced through embossing, resulting in a product with increased substrate volume and improved cleaning efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fibrous structures are used, then manufacturing is simple, but performance properties like strength and absorbency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrous structure is divided into distinct high-density regions (knuckles) and low-density regions (pillows) arranged in a repeating pattern. This segmentation allows different areas to perform different functions - knuckles provide strength and structural integrity while pillows provide absorbency and softness, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fibrous structure are given different densities and properties. The knuckle regions have higher fiber concentration and density for strength, while the pillow regions have lower density for absorbency. This local differentiation allows the overall structure to achieve both strength and absorbency without requiring complex manufacturing processes throughout the entire structure.
2Shape
If conventional fibrous structures are used, then manufacturing is simple, but aesthetic properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The papermaking belt incorporates three-dimensional knuckles with curved surfaces that impart a corresponding three-dimensional pattern to the fibrous structure. These curved high-density regions create visual interest and aesthetic appeal while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through the use of a patterned papermaking belt.
3Reliability
If fibrous structures with three-dimensional patterns are created, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A patterned papermaking belt serves as an intermediary tool to impart the three-dimensional knuckle and pillow pattern to the fibrous structure during manufacturing. This intermediary device allows the complex three-dimensional pattern to be created without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as the pattern is transferred through the belt's physical structure rather than through complex processing steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A fibrous structure. The structure may include a plurality of continuous or semi-continuous knuckles extending from portions of the surface of the fibrous structure in a parallel path, wherein the plurality of knuckles may be separated by adjacent continuous or semi-continuous pillows. Each knuckle may comprise a plurality of discrete pillows, the plurality of discrete pillows may be arranged in a spaced configuration along the path of each knuckle; alternatively, each pillow may comprise a plurality of discrete knuckles, the plurality of discrete knuckles may be arranged in a spaced configuration along the path of each pillow.