Micro-Embossed Multi-Ply Tissue Product
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embossing processes struggle to effectively apply embossments on textured and structured basesheets due to their pre-existing texture, which causes difficulty in maintaining embossment clarity and definition.
Innovation Solution
The development of embossments with specific geometric properties, including a quadrilateral base and varying angles, heights, and tip shapes, which are applied to structured basesheets to enhance embossment clarity and definition, while maintaining softness and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If embossing is applied to textured and structured basesheets, then embossment clarity and definition deteriorate, but bulk and softness are improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of embossments by specifying precise dimensions: height of 0.5mm to 2.0mm, base width to height ratio of 0.5:1 to 2:1, and angle between 45° to 135°. These parameter optimizations enable clear embossment definition while maintaining the bulk and softness provided by the textured basesheet structure.
2Volume of stationary object
If embossment height is increased to improve bulk, then manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the embossment height parameter within a specific range (0.5mm to 2.0mm) and controls the base width to height ratio (0.5:1 to 2:1). This parameter optimization achieves sufficient bulk enhancement while maintaining manufacturable precision and clear embossment definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies moderate embossment heights (0.5mm to 2.0mm) rather than excessive heights, achieving sufficient bulk improvement while avoiding the manufacturing precision difficulties that would arise from overly tall embossments.
3Shape
If embossment angles are made more acute to improve definition, then softness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the embossment angle parameter within the range of 45° to 135°. This angular optimization balances the competing requirements of embossment definition and product softness, avoiding both overly acute angles that would harm softness and overly obtuse angles that would compromise definition.
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 embossments improve embossment clarity and definition on structured basesheets, maintaining softness and strength without sacrificing caliper, and can be applied to multi-ply tissue products for enhanced aesthetic and bonding properties.
Implementation Method 1
The embossing roller can define a plurality of raised elements that form embossments into the sheet material. The embossments can be formed into the sheet material using pressure alone or in combination with heat.
Implementation Method 2
The embossments can be formed into the sheet material using pressure alone or in combination with heat.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embossed and structured multi-ply tissue products having improved softness, strength, embossment clarity and/or embossment height. The embossed and structured multi-ply tissue products include at least one embossed structured and/or textured tissue ply. The unique combination of the embossment elements provide for improved embossment element clarity and definition while using at least one thick and structured basesheet.