Multi-Region Fibrous Structure to Reduce Transparency in Wetted State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fibrous structures comprising filaments and solid additives lack the ability to create regions with different micro-CT intensive properties, leading to uniform performance and negative characteristics such as excessive transparency in wetted configurations.
Innovation Solution
A fibrous structure with three or more regions that exhibit distinct micro-CT intensive properties, including varying basis weight and light transmission values, achieved through the deposition and consolidation of filaments and solid additives on a patterned molding member using vacuum-assisted processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a uniform fibrous structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but performance is restricted to a single overall level
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrous structure is divided into multiple regions (first region, second region, third region) with different basis weights and properties. Each region can be optimized for specific functions such as strength, absorbency, or flexibility, allowing the overall structure to meet multiple performance requirements simultaneously while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through sequential deposition
2Quantity of substance
If the basis weight is reduced to improve absorbency, then absorbency performance increases, but transparency increases which is harmful in wetted configurations
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the fibrous structure have different basis weights tailored to their specific functions. The first region has a higher basis weight to provide strength and prevent transparency, while the second region has a lower basis weight to provide high absorbency. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize its properties without compromising the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The fibrous structure combines regions with different basis weights and compositions to create a composite structure that exhibits both strength and high absorbency. The composite nature allows the structure to achieve performance characteristics that cannot be obtained with a uniform basis weight throughout
3Shape
If embossing is applied to create texture, then visual aesthetics improve, but the ability to create regions with different micro-CT intensive properties is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The regions with different basis weights and properties are created during the deposition process itself, before any embossing operation. By establishing the regional differentiation in the base structure first, the subsequent embossing can be applied uniformly to provide texture and visual aesthetics without disrupting or obscuring the underlying regional property differences
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 solution enables enhanced performance by optimizing specific attributes like strength, absorbency, and visual aesthetics across different regions, minimizing transparency issues in wetted states.
Implementation Method 1
deposition and consolidation of filaments and solid additives on a patterned molding member using vacuum-assisted processes
Implementation Method 2
consolidation of filaments and solid additives on a patterned molding member
Data Source
AI summary
Fibrous structures containing filaments and solid additives, and more particularly to fibrous structures containing filaments and solid additives wherein the fibrous structure has three or more regions that exhibit different characteristics and/or properties and methods for making same, are provided.