Fibrous structures comprising three or more regions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fibrous structures comprising filaments and solid additives lack regions with distinct micro-CT intensive properties, such as basis weight and light transmission, limiting their performance and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A fibrous structure with three or more regions, where at least one common micro-CT intensive property differs in value, and two regions exhibit different micro-CT basis weight and light transmission values, achieved by creating a continuous network region with discrete zones and specific filament and solid additive ratios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a uniform fibrous structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but performance is restricted to an overall level characteristic of the uniform structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidperformance level
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fibrous structure is divided into multiple regions (first region, second region, third region) with different basis weights and properties. Each region is segments of the whole structure, allowing different performance characteristics in different areas while maintaining overall structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the fibrous structure are assigned different basis weights and material compositions tailored to specific performance requirements. The first region has higher basis weight for strength, the second region has lower basis weight for absorbency, and the third region provides transitional properties, optimizing overall performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If regions with different basis weights are created, then superior overall performance is achieved, but structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is segmented into distinct regions with different properties, but these segments are arranged in a systematic pattern that can be manufactured using standardized processes, balancing complexity with manufacturability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple regions with different basis weights and properties are merged into a single integrated fibrous structure, allowing the structure to deliver multiple performance attributes simultaneously while maintaining structural coherence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If basis weight is reduced in certain regions, then absorbency is improved, but transparency increases (visual aesthetics deteriorate)

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveabsorbencyVSAvoidlight transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The second region with lower basis weight is strategically positioned to provide absorbency where needed, while the first and third regions with higher basis weight are positioned to provide opacity and visual aesthetics, creating a balanced overall appearance and performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3390722B1Fibrous structures comprising three or more regions
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP3390722B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3390722B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3390722B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Fibrous structures containing filaments and solid additives, and more particularly to fibrous structures containing filaments and solid additives wherein the fibrous structure has three or more regions that exhibit different characteristics and/or properties and methods for making same, are provided.