Layered Fibrous Structures with Inter-Layer Voids for Skin Glide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fibrous structures for sanitary tissue products, such as toilet tissue, often have rough surfaces that irritate the skin and require the use of surface chemistries like lotions or silicones to improve glide, but these solutions can reduce surface properties and create hygiene and absorbency issues.
Innovation Solution
A layered, optionally dispersible fibrous structure with inter-layer voids is created by depositing a surface material, such as hydroxyl polymer filaments, onto a first web material, enhancing surface and absorbent properties without the negatives associated with traditional surface chemistries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surface chemistries like lotions or silicones are applied to improve surface glide, then surface properties are improved, but hygiene and absorbency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a porous polymer material to the fibrous structure surface that provides glide properties while maintaining absorbency. The porous structure allows liquid penetration and absorption while the material composition provides smooth surface characteristics, thus resolving the contradiction between surface glide and absorbency retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining the fibrous base material with a porous polymer surface layer. This composite approach allows the underlying fibrous structure to maintain its absorbency and hygiene properties while the outer porous polymer layer provides the desired surface glide characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If surface chemistries are applied to improve surface properties, then glide is improved, but surface properties are reduced too low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the surface treatment by using a porous polymer material with specific pore size, composition, and structure. This allows achieving adequate glide properties without over-softening the surface, thereby maintaining necessary surface properties for manufacturing and performance.
3Reliability
If a rough fibrous structure is used, then absorbency is maintained, but skin irritation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the fibrous structure: the inner fibrous layers maintain roughness and absorbency, while the outer surface layer is modified with porous polymer material to provide smooth glide properties. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between absorbency and skin comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where the base fibrous material retains its absorbent rough characteristics while being coated or combined with a porous polymer surface layer that provides smooth skin-contact properties, thus eliminating skin irritation while preserving absorbency.
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 structure exhibits improved glide on skin and cleaning properties, providing better absorbency and skin benefits without a gooey feel, while maintaining effective surface properties.
Implementation Method 1
The porous polymer material may be in the form of a porous polymer foam, porous polymer fibers, or a porous polymer coating
Data Source
AI summary
Layered, and optionally dispersible fibrous structures containing fibrous elements that exhibit inter-layer voids between two or more layers within the fibrous structures, sanitary tissue products employing such layered, optionally dispersible fibrous structures, and methods for making same are provided.