Multi-Density Fibrous Detergent Structure for Complete Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fibrous structures used in detergents are prone to stiffness, fracture, and incomplete dissolution during washing, leading to suboptimal cleaning performance and potential clogging of washing machines, while also leaving residues and sticking to surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A fibrous structure comprising a continuous network region and discrete zones with different densities, made from water-soluble hydroxyl polymers, allowing for controlled release of active agents and improved dissolution during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the nonwoven substrate is made of undissolvable fibers and coated with detergent composition, then the structural integrity is improved, but the dissolution during washing is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent bar is segmented into a nonwoven substrate layer and multiple detergent composition layers. The nonwoven substrate provides structural integrity while the detergent layers are designed to dissolve during washing, separating the structural function from the dissolving function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a nonwoven substrate (providing strength) with detergent composition layers (providing cleaning function and dissolvability). This composite material approach allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
2Quantity of substance
If the detergent composition is delivered at high concentration, then the cleaning performance is improved, but the sticking to washing machine surface is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent composition is applied locally to specific areas of the nonwoven substrate where it is needed for cleaning, rather than uniformly across the entire substrate. This localized application prevents excessive detergent concentration in areas where it would cause sticking.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls the concentration and distribution parameters of the detergent composition on the substrate. By optimizing these parameters, the formulation achieves sufficient cleaning power while maintaining appropriate flow and dissolution characteristics that prevent sticking to washing machine surfaces.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the web material is made stiff for handling, then the structural stability is improved, but the flexibility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent bar is segmented into a rigid nonwoven substrate core and softer detergent composition layers. This segmentation allows the core to provide structural stability while the outer layers provide flexibility and ease of handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of the nonwoven substrate combined with detergent layers creates a material that exhibits both structural stability from the substrate and flexibility from the detergent composition, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
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 fibrous structure provides enhanced strength, prevents adhesion to washing machine surfaces, and ensures complete dissolution, thereby improving cleaning performance and preventing clogging.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer is a water-soluble hydroxyl polymer
Data Source
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AI summary
A fibrous structure including filaments wherein the filaments comprise one or more filament-forming materials and one or more active agents that are releasable from the filament when exposed to conditions of intended use, the fibrous structure further having at least two regions with different properties, in particular wherein each region has different average densities. Methods of treating fabrics with a fibrous structure are also provided herein.