Particle-Loaded Fibrous Structures for Dissolution and Active Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers seek new and improved fibrous structures that incorporate water-soluble filaments and active agent-containing particles to provide enhanced performance and properties, which existing fibrous structures fail to meet.
Innovation Solution
Development of water-soluble fibrous structures comprising a plurality of fibrous elements and discrete, water-soluble active agent-containing particles, where the fibrous elements are made from filament-forming materials and include active agents, with the particles having a median particle size of 1 µm to 1600 µm and containing bleaching agents, builders, enzymes, antimicrobials, and other active agents, positioned within or between layers of the fibrous structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If water-insoluble filaments and particles are used in fibrous structures, then structural integrity and stability are improved, but water-solubility and active agent release are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrous structure incorporates a mixture of water-insoluble filaments (providing structural integrity) and water-soluble filaments/particles (providing solubility and active agent release). Different regions of the structure have different properties: the water-insoluble component maintains structural stability while the water-soluble component dissolves to release active agents, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and water-solubility.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional fibrous structures with water-insoluble components are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but consumer performance requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrous structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: water-insoluble filaments provide structural support, water-soluble filaments provide dissolution and active agent release, and various active agent-containing particles (bleaching agents, enzymes, antimicrobials, etc.) provide diverse performance characteristics. This multi-functional design allows the structure to meet varied consumer performance requirements while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established fibrous structure production methods.
3Reliability
If water-soluble active agent-containing particles are incorporated into fibrous structures, then active agent release is improved, but structural stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines water-soluble active agent-containing particles with water-insoluble filaments in a single fibrous structure. The water-insoluble filaments maintain structural stability while the water-soluble particles are distributed throughout the structure to provide active agent release upon contact with water. This merging of soluble and insoluble components allows both structural stability and active agent release to coexist.
Data Source
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AI summary
Fibrous structures containing one or more particles, and methods for making same are provided.