Fibrous structures including an active agent and having a graphic printed thereon

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dissolvable web materials with printed graphics face challenges such as premature dissolution, hard spots, reduced flexibility, and poor color intensity due to ink application, along with high dot gain and unsuitable printing methods, resulting in aesthetically unpleasing and performance-compromised products.

Innovation Solution

A fibrous structure with filaments and active agents, where graphics are printed directly onto the surface, using specific ink adhesion ratings and CIELab color values within defined boundaries, ensuring durable ink adhesion and vibrant color retention while maintaining the web's integrity and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If inks are applied to dissolvable web materials, then graphic appearance is achieved, but premature dissolution occurs and web integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphic appearanceVSAvoidweb integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The web material is segmented into hydrophilic regions (dissolvable areas) and hydrophobic regions (ink-resistant areas), allowing graphics to be printed on hydrophobic zones without triggering dissolution of the hydrophilic functional areas. This spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction by isolating the graphic application zones from the dissolvable zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A size release layer or hydrophobic coating acts as an intermediary between the ink and the dissolvable web material. This intermediary layer prevents direct interaction between the aqueous ink and the hydrophilic fibers, eliminating premature dissolution while allowing graphic deposition on the surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If inks are applied to dissolvable web materials, then graphic appearance is achieved, but hard spots and reduced flexibility occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphic appearanceVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the web into hydrophobic graphic zones and hydrophilic flexible zones, the patent ensures that ink application and associated hardening effects are confined to non-critical areas, while the hydrophilic zones maintain their original flexibility and softness for tactile comfort and functional performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Shape

If inks are applied to dissolvable web materials, then graphic appearance is achieved, but color intensity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphic appearanceVSAvoidcolor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The size release layer or hydrophobic coating serves as a mediator that enables vibrant color deposition by preventing ink penetration into the fiber interior. The ink remains concentrated on the surface, producing intense, visible colors without the dilution effect of fiber dissolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Shape

If printing methods are applied to dissolvable web materials, then graphic appearance is achieved, but high dot gain occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphic appearanceVSAvoiddot gain control

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The web material exhibits local quality differences between hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. The hydrophobic regions provide a non-absorbent surface ideal for precise printing with minimal dot gain, while the hydrophilic regions maintain dissolvability. This local property differentiation enables high-precision graphic reproduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

5Shape

If printing methods are applied to dissolvable web materials, then graphic appearance is achieved, but web deformation occurs due to low modulus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphic appearanceVSAvoidmodulus

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The web material is pre-engineered with interconnected hydrophobic regions that form a stable, ink-receptive surface structure before printing occurs. This preliminary structural design provides dimensional stability during the printing process, preventing deformation despite the overall low modulus of the dissolvable material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution allows for aesthetically appealing dissolvable web materials with maintained strength, flexibility, and cleaning performance, ensuring effective ink adhesion and color intensity, overcoming previous challenges of premature dissolution and dot gain.

Implementation Method 1

an active agent releasable from the filaments when exposed to conditions of intended use

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution:

Implementation Method 2

a graphic printed directly on the fibrous structure... ensuring durable ink adhesion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11970821B2Fibrous structures including an active agent and having a graphic printed thereon

Publication Date: 2024.04.30 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to fibrous structures including active agents and having a graphic printed thereon. In some embodiments, a nonwoven web may include a fibrous structure comprising filaments. In turn, the filaments may include filament forming material, and an active agent releasable from the filaments when exposed to conditions of intended use. In addition, a graphic may be printed directly onto the fibrous structure.