Multi-Region Fibrous Structure for Detergent Release and Dissolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fibrous structures used in detergents are stiff, prone to fracture, deliver insufficient detergent composition, leave remnants, stick to washing machine surfaces, and can block drainage, failing to effectively clean and dissolve during use.
Innovation Solution
A fibrous structure comprising a network region, discrete zones, and a transition region with varying densities, made from filament-forming materials and active agents that release upon exposure to intended use conditions, ensuring improved strength, dissolution, and non-adhesive properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the nonwoven substrate is made from undissolvable fibers and coated with detergent composition, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the material leaves remnants and does not dissolve during washing
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrous structure is divided into multiple regions with different properties: a network region providing structural integrity, discrete zones containing detergent composition, and transition regions facilitating controlled dissolution. This segmentation allows different parts to serve different functions - the network region maintains stability while the discrete zones dissolve to release detergent actives.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fibrous structure have different densities and dissolution characteristics. The network region has higher density and lower dissolution rate for structural support, while the discrete zones have lower density and higher dissolution rate for detergent release. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between maintaining structural integrity and achieving dissolution.
2Quantity of substance
If the detergent composition is delivered at high concentration, then cleaning performance is improved, but the web material becomes stiff and prone to fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent composition is concentrated in discrete zones rather than uniformly distributed throughout the entire web. This local concentration allows high detergent delivery in specific areas while maintaining flexibility in the overall structure, as the network region can be formulated with appropriate flexibility without excessive detergent loading.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the detergent composition into discrete zones within the fibrous structure, the patent achieves high local concentration for effective cleaning while the distributed network structure maintains overall flexibility and prevents fracture.
3Strength
If the fibrous structure is made with high density for strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but dissolution and disintegration during use is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrous structure segments density into different regions: the network region has higher density for mechanical strength, while the discrete zones have lower density to facilitate dissolution and disintegration during washing, releasing the detergent composition effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions have different density characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The network region's higher density provides structural integrity, while the discrete zones' lower density enables rapid dissolution and disintegration, resolving the contradiction between strength and dissolution rate.
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 cleaning performance by releasing active agents effectively, preventing adhesion to washing machine surfaces and ensuring proper drainage, while maintaining structural integrity and dissolving as needed.
Implementation Method 1
one or more active agents that are releasable from the filament when exposed to conditions of intended use
Data Source
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 three regions. Methods of treating fabrics with a fibrous structure are also provided herein.