Fibrous Structure Bonding for Peel Strength and Dissolvability Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fibrous structures containing active agents face challenges in achieving consumer-acceptable in-use properties such as structural integrity, flexibility, and dissolvability, particularly in multi-ply articles that tend to prematurely fall apart during manufacturing, distribution, and use.

Innovation Solution

The development of fibrous structures with fibrous elements that are mechanically or thermally bonded, or associated through moisture, to enhance inter-ply and intra-ply peel strength while maintaining flexibility and dissolvability, using methods like adhesive bonding, mechanical entanglement, and water moisture bonding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If fibrous structures are bonded together to improve structural integrity and prevent premature separation, then peel strength and plybond strength are improved, but flexibility and dissolvability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeel strengthVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing moisture-induced bonding where the bonding strength is not fixed but dynamically adjusted based on environmental moisture conditions. The fibrous structures remain flexible in low moisture conditions but develop strong bonds when exposed to moisture, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and flexibility through conditional parameter variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The bonding mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural integrity when needed (preventing premature separation), maintains flexibility during storage and handling, and enables controlled dissolution during use. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the bonding system adaptive to different operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If fibrous structures are bonded together to improve structural integrity, then plybond strength is improved, but dissolvability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplybond strengthVSAvoiddissolvability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding mechanism changes its state based on moisture parameters. In dry conditions, the bonds remain weak or non-existent, allowing easy dissolution. When moisture is present, the bonds strengthen to provide structural integrity. This parameter-dependent behavior resolves the contradiction between maintaining strength and enabling dissolvability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The bonding system is dynamic rather than static, transitioning between bonded and unbonded states based on moisture exposure. This dynamic behavior allows the structure to be strong during storage/distribution but easily dissolvable during use, resolving the contradiction between these opposing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If adhesive bonding is used to improve inter-ply bond strength, then peel strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinter-ply bond strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding mechanism is self-activating through moisture exposure without requiring external adhesives or complex bonding equipment. The fibrous structures bond automatically when exposed to moisture conditions, eliminating the need for separate adhesive application steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while still achieving strong inter-ply bonds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical adhesive bonding systems with a moisture-induced chemical/physical bonding mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for adhesives, coating equipment, and complex bonding processes, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining or improving bond strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enhanced bonding methods result in fibrous structures that exhibit superior plybond, flexibility, and hand dissolution properties, ensuring the articles remain intact and functional during intended use without compromising other performance metrics.

Implementation Method 1

mechanical entanglement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical entanglement:

Implementation Method 2

thermally bonded

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal bonding:

Implementation Method 3

water moisture bonding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater moisture bonding:

Data Source

PatentUS12157970B2Active agent-containing articles that exhibit consumer acceptable article in-use properties

Publication Date: 2024.12.03 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

Active agent-containing articles, for example fibrous structures, that exhibit consumer acceptable article in-use properties, such as article peel strength, flexibility, and/or dissolvability, and methods for making same are provided.