Fibrous Structures with Improved Surface Properties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fibrous structures for sanitary tissue products, such as toilet tissue, often have rough surfaces that irritate the skin and require the application of surface chemistries like lotions or silicones to reduce friction, which can lead to hygiene and absorbency issues, and there is a need for a structure with improved surface properties without these negatives.
Innovation Solution
A fibrous structure comprising a surface material different from the web material, void of surface chemistry agents, that exhibits Force to Drag Values of less than 100 as measured by the Glide on Skin Test Method, achieved through specific configurations and materials like hydroxyl polymer or crosslinked polymer associations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surface chemistries like lotions or silicones are applied to reduce friction, then Force to Drag Values are reduced, but hygiene and absorbency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes surface chemistry agents (lotions, silicones, quaternary ammonium compounds) from the fibrous structure entirely, extracting the harmful component while maintaining the desired low Force to Drag Value through alternative means (proper fiber selection, blending, and physical structure design).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the fibrous structure itself—using specific fiber types, ratios, and configurations—to achieve improved surface properties without relying on surface chemistry applications. This shifts the solution from chemical modification to physical structure optimization.
2Ease of operation
If surface chemistries are applied to improve surface properties, then Force to Drag Values are reduced, but skin cleanliness perception deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates surface chemistry agents that cause skin residue and cleanliness perception issues, while maintaining smooth surface properties through physical fiber structure design and material selection.
3Ease of operation
If surface chemistries are applied to reduce friction, then Force to Drag Values are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the surface chemistry application step from the manufacturing process entirely, simplifying production by focusing on fiber selection, blending, and physical structure design during the base material formation stage.
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 improved surface properties with reduced friction and enhanced absorbency without the drawbacks of traditional surface chemistries, offering better skin benefits and cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
achieved through specific configurations and materials like hydroxyl polymer or crosslinked polymer associations
Implementation Method 2
achieved through specific configurations and materials like hydroxyl polymer or crosslinked polymer associations
Data Source
AI summary
Fibrous structures that exhibit improved surface properties, for example lower Force to Drag Values as measured by the Glide on Skin Test Method described herein, compared to known fibrous structures, sanitary tissue products comprising such fibrous structures and method for making such fibrous structures are provided.