Gel-Wipe Fiber Core Composition to Reduce Cleansing Solution Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gel-wipes for personal and household cleansing face issues with fluid migration and wastage of cleansing solutions, as the liquid composition is either not effectively retained or excessive, leading to decreased cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A gel-wipe design where a polymeric gel is distributed throughout a substantial portion of the fibers, with the inner core of the fibers being free of the liquid cleansing composition, allowing the liquid to adhere to the surface and interstitial spaces for improved cleansing efficacy while minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the liquid portion containing gelling polymer and gelling agent is impregnated throughout the substrate including fiber cores, then fluid migration is reduced, but cleansing efficacy decreases and cleansing solution is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is segmented into two distinct zones: fiber core regions impregnated with polymeric gel for fluid retention, and fiber surface/interstitial regions free of gel for liquid cleansing composition availability. This spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different functions to different spatial zones within the same substrate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the substrate are given different qualities: the fiber cores contain polymeric gel for stability and fluid retention, while the fiber surfaces and interstitial spaces remain free of gel to maintain liquid cleansing composition availability. This local differentiation allows the substrate to simultaneously achieve fluid migration reduction and cleansing efficacy.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the substrate is entirely impregnated with polymeric gel containing cleansing liquid portion, then fluid migration is reduced, but more cleansing liquid is bound within fiber cores providing no cleansing benefit
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate structure is segmented to distinguish between fiber core regions (for fluid retention) and fiber surface/interstitial regions (for cleansing action). This segmentation ensures that cleansing liquid is not wasted in the core where it cannot contact the skin, but is instead positioned where it provides cleansing benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate exhibits local quality differentiation: polymeric gel is present in fiber cores to retain fluid, while fiber surfaces and interstitial spaces are kept free of gel to allow liquid cleansing composition to remain available for contact with skin during use, preventing waste.
3Quantity of substance
If liquid cleansing composition is distributed throughout the substrate body, then cleansing coverage is improved, but fluid migration occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is segmented into gel-impregnated fiber cores and gel-free interstitial spaces. Liquid cleansing composition is distributed in the interstitial spaces and on fiber surfaces rather than throughout the entire substrate body, achieving both coverage and stability by leveraging the gel structure in cores to anchor the liquid in strategic locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric gel in fiber cores acts as an intermediary that anchors the liquid cleansing composition in specific locations while allowing the liquid to remain available in interstitial spaces. The gel structure serves as a stationary phase that prevents migration while maintaining controlled release of cleansing composition.
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 gel-wipe achieves superior cleansing efficacy with reduced amounts of cleansing solution, minimizing irritation and providing a cost-effective, gentle, and effective cleaning experience.
Implementation Method 1
a gelling agent is contacted with the substrate comprising the gelling polymer distributed there through, thereby forming a polymeric gel distributed throughout the substrate
Data Source
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Figure 5~6B
AI summary
Gel-wipes suitable for use in personal care and household cleansing applications are disclosed, which include a substrate having a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface and a body disposed between and defined by the first and second surfaces, fibers having an outer surface and an inner core, a polymeric gel distributed throughout the substrate such that a substantial portion of the fibers contain the polymeric gel distributed throughout the inner core of the fibers; and a liquid cleansing composition, wherein the inner core of a substantial portion of the fibers and the polymeric gel are substantially free of the liquid cleansing composition; as well as methods of making the gel-wipe.