Plurality of integrally interconnected wipes for use in dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wipe dispensers often experience issues with 'multiples' (where multiple wipes are pulled out at once) or 'fallbacks' (where the succeeding wipe does not readily protrude for subsequent dispensing) due to ineffective connections between wipes.
Innovation Solution
The invention employs a plurality of integrally interconnected wipes with alternating major and minor ties, arranged in a zig-zag pattern, to ensure reliable pop-up dispensing, where major ties are wider than minor ties and spaced appropriately to facilitate easy tearing and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connections between wipes are used (adhesive bonding or interfolding), then wipes can be stacked in a container, but multiple wipes may be pulled out at once (multiples) or the succeeding wipe may not protrude properly (fallback)
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between wipes is segmented into discrete tear lines with major and minor ties. The major ties provide initial connection strength while the minor ties and tear lines allow for controlled separation. This segmentation enables reliable single wipe dispensing by creating predictable failure points that prevent both multiples and fallbacks.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the wipe connection have different properties: major ties have greater bond strength and width than minor ties. The tear lines are positioned at specific locations with varying connection strengths. This local quality variation ensures that tearing occurs at the intended location while maintaining adequate connection elsewhere.
2Reliability
If strong connections between wipes are used to prevent multiples, then dispensing reliability improves, but the succeeding wipe becomes difficult to pull out (increases dispensing force requirement)
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into major ties and minor ties with different strength levels. The major ties prevent multiples by providing sufficient holding force, while the minor ties and designated tear lines create weak points that allow easy separation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing connection strength non-uniformly across the wipe stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parameters (bond strength, tie width, tear line position) are varied along the length of the wipe stack. Major ties have greater width and strength than minor ties. This parameter variation allows the connection to provide adequate holding force overall while having localized weak points that reduce the force needed for dispensing.
3Ease of operation
If weak connections between wipes are used to ease dispensing, then single-handed operation becomes easier, but multiple wipes are pulled out at once (multiples occur)
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system uses both strong major ties and weak minor ties in sequence. The major ties prevent multiples by maintaining adequate connection strength, while the minor ties and tear lines provide easy separation points for single-handed operation. This segmented approach satisfies both requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the wipe connection have different bond strengths. Major ties located at specific positions provide strong anchoring to prevent multiples, while minor ties at other positions provide easy release points. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and prevention of multiples.
4Strength
If adhesive bonding is used to connect wipes, then connection strength improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive bonding function is extracted and replaced with mechanical interconnection through tiedown structures. The ties are formed by folding and securing the wipe material itself, eliminating the need for separate adhesive application processes. This extraction reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie connections use the wipe material itself rather than expensive permanent adhesives. The ties are simple mechanical structures formed from the wipe web that provide sufficient connection strength for dispensing. This approach reduces manufacturing cost and complexity compared to adhesive bonding processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of integrally interconnected wipes collectively define a web. The plurality of wipes includes a first wipe, a second wipe, and a third wipe. A first transverse intermittent cut line defines a right side major tie that connects the first wipe to the second wipe, and the right side major tie has a width. A second transverse intermittent cut line defines a left side major tie that connects the second wipe to the third wipe. In particular embodiments, the first wipe and the second wipe are connected to each other only within the right side of the web, and the second wipe and the third wipe are connected to each other only within the left side of the web. In certain embodiment, the wipes are also connected to each via minor ties that are transversely narrower than the major ties.