Active Agent Fibrous Structures With Controlled Particle Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers seek new and improved fibrous structures that incorporate water-soluble filaments and active agents, as well as particles, to provide enhanced performance and properties in various applications, which existing fibrous structures fail to meet.
Innovation Solution
Development of fibrous structures comprising a plurality of fibrous elements and water-soluble, active agent-containing particles, where the active agents are releasable under conditions of intended use, and a method for making these structures by spinning fibrous element-forming compositions and associating active agent-containing particles with the fibrous elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If water-insoluble filaments and particles are used in fibrous structures, then structural integrity is maintained, but consumer demand for water-soluble variants and active agent delivery is not met
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrous structure is segmented into water-soluble and water-insoluble components. The water-soluble fibrous elements dissolve under specific conditions (e.g., hot water, enzymatic treatment) while the water-insoluble particles remain intact, providing both solubility options and structural integrity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials combining water-soluble polymers (e.g., starch, cellulose derivatives) with water-insoluble particles. This composite approach allows the fibrous structure to exhibit both water-soluble and water-insoluble characteristics, meeting consumer demand for versatility while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If active agents are incorporated into fibrous structures, then functionality is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the active agent incorporation step with the existing fibrous structure manufacturing process. Active agents are incorporated during fiber formation or particle attachment, combining multiple functions (structural formation + active agent delivery) into a single integrated process, thereby enhancing functionality without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fibrous structure with active agents is designed to be self-activating under specific conditions (e.g., dissolution in water, exposure to moisture). The structure automatically releases or activates the active agents without requiring additional external processing steps, enhancing functionality while keeping the manufacturing process simple.
3Productivity
If conventional fibrous structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but consumer performance expectations are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes key parameters of conventional fibrous structures by incorporating water-soluble components and active agents. These parameter changes (solubility, chemical composition) enable the product to meet consumer performance expectations for enhanced functionality while maintaining ease of manufacture through established fibrous structure production methods.
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 resulting fibrous structures offer improved performance and properties by allowing for the controlled release of active agents, enhancing their functionality and adaptability in different applications, such as laundry, cleaning, and personal care.
Implementation Method 1
spinning the fibrous element-forming composition into one or more fibrous elements
Data Source
AI summary
Fibrous structures containing one or more particles, and methods for making same are provided.