Lotion Formulation Compatibility with Elastomeric Substrates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lotion formulations compromise the elastomeric properties and integrity of nonwoven substrates, leading to instability and poor aesthetics when used in laminated articles like gloves or socks, causing delamination and loss of mechanical strength.

Innovation Solution

A formulation with a dielectric constant of less than 40.0, containing at least 5% water and a cosmetic carrier, is applied to nonwoven and elastomeric substrates, maintaining at least 40% of the tension of untreated substrates at 30% elongation, ensuring compatibility and retention of mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional lotion formulations with oily substances are applied to nonwoven and elastomeric substrates, then skin health and hygiene benefits are provided, but the elastomeric properties and mechanical integrity of the substrates are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin health benefitsVSAvoidsubstrate mechanical integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the dielectric constant of the formulation to be less than 40.0 and specifying water content greater than 5% by weight. These parameter constraints ensure compatibility with elastomeric substrates while maintaining skin health benefits, resolving the contradiction between formulation effectiveness and substrate integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If oily substances are used in lotion formulations, then emollient and occlusive properties are achieved, but delamination of laminated substrate layers occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelotion emollient propertiesVSAvoidlaminated substrate stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the delamination issue by changing the formulation parameters: limiting the dielectric constant to less than 40.0 and requiring water content greater than 5% by weight. These parameter changes prevent the oily substances from interfering with the elastomeric properties and adhesion of laminated substrates, maintaining both emollient benefits and layer stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional lotion formulations are applied to substrates, then skin moisturization is achieved, but the substrates become stiff and inflexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin moisturizationVSAvoidsubstrate flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains substrate flexibility while achieving skin moisturization by controlling formulation parameters: dielectric constant less than 40.0 and water content greater than 5% by weight. These parameter constraints prevent the formulation from stiffening the substrate, allowing the elastomeric properties to be retained while still providing skin health benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11234905B2Formulations having improved compatibility with nonwoven substrates

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC

AI summary

Nonwoven and elastomeric substrates having formulations disposed thereon, wherein the formulations have improved compatibility with the substrate, are disclosed herein. More particularly, the formulations can be applied on the substrates without compromising the elastomeric properties and overall integrity of the substrate. Laminated articles using one or more of the nonwoven and elastomeric substrates having the formulations disposed thereon are further disclosed.