Stack of interleaved wipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stacks of interleaved wipes face issues with multiple wipes being dispensed at once due to the direct contact of folded panels with the main panel during dispensing, leading to inefficient and unreliable single-wipe extraction.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a Modified C Fold pattern where one wipe is enfolded within another, utilizing enfolding and enfolded creases to create frictional contact that draws the next wipe towards the dispensing aperture without direct contact with the main panel, reducing the risk of multiple wipes being dispensed simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If folded panels directly contact the main panel during dispensing, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but multiple wipes are dispensed at once reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing one wipe inside another through enfolding folds. Each wipe is folded such that its panels are nested within adjacent wipes, creating an interleaved structure where wipes are contained within one another, preventing simultaneous dispensing while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fold pattern into distinct functional zones: enfolding folds that create nested structures, enfolded folds that receive adjacent wipes, and controlled contact zones. This segmentation allows different parts of the fold pattern to perform specific functions in the dispensing sequence
2Area of stationary object
If wipes are densely stacked to optimize shelf footprint, then space efficiency improves, but dispensing reliability deteriorates due to increased friction and contact
Solution Approach 1:
The nested enfolding structure creates controlled separation zones between wipes while maintaining compact stacking. The interleaved arrangement allows wipes to be densely packed in storage yet remain individually accessible during dispensing, as each wipe is mechanically separated by the fold structure
Solution Approach 2:
The enfolding and enfolded folds act as intermediary elements between adjacent wipes. These fold structures mediate the interaction between densely stacked wipes, providing controlled friction and mechanical separation that enables reliable single-wipe dispensing even in compact configurations
3Ease of operation
If folded panels contact the main panel to enable dispensing, then dispensing action is achieved, but friction causes multiple wipes to be drawn out simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different friction characteristics in different zones of the fold pattern. The enfolding folds have high friction to hold wipes in place, while the enfolded folds have controlled friction to enable sequential dispensing. This localized variation in friction properties ensures that only one wipe is drawn out at a time while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The fold pattern creates dynamic friction characteristics that change during dispensing. As wipes are pulled, the friction forces dynamically adjust based on the relative motion and positioning of folded panels, automatically regulating the dispensing action to prevent multiple wipes from being drawn out simultaneously
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
This solution ensures reliable single-wipe dispensing by minimizing direct contact between folded panels and the main panel, thereby preventing the accidental dispensing of multiple wipes, while maintaining uniform thickness across the stack and optimizing the shelf footprint.
Implementation Method 1
This arrangement enables an enfolded portion of the next wipe to be drawn towards a dispensing aperture due to friction between the enfolded portion of the next wipe and the enfolding fold of the one wipe, when the one wipe is dispensed.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A stack of interleaved wipes where the first wipe (10) will have its first crease (15) drawn to the region of or partially through an opening (1) in a container (2) of the wipes, so that it can be grasped and drawn through the opening. The second wipe (20) and those below are in their interleaved arrangement. The crease (25) together with adjoining parts of the portions (21, 24), is enfolded in a fold (170) of the wipe (10) formed by its portions (11, 16) and the crease (17). The wipe (10) is the wipe next to the wipe (20) on its side opposite from its portions (24, 26). The crease (27) at the opposite edge from crease (25) of the main portion (21) forms with the main portion (21) and the second folded portion (26) a fold (270) which enfolds the fold (350) of the wipe (30). Thus the wipes are interleaved for successive dispensing of the wipes one after the other. On dispensing of the wipe (10), by drawing it through the opening (1) of the container (2), the folded portion (16) of the enfolding fold (170) of the wipe (10) tends to draw the folded portion (24) of the enfolded fold (250) towards the opening by frictional contact therewith. Further embodiments are provided.