Multilayer Dissolvable Sheets for Fast Dissolution and Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible dissolvable sheets suffer from slow dissolution and are difficult to handle due to their thin, floppy nature, lacking aesthetic appeal and structural integrity, and existing multilayer structures exacerbate these issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of multilayer dissolvable solid articles composed of flexible, porous sheets with a specific aspect ratio and open cell foam structure, formed using a controlled heating direction during the drying process to enhance pore formation and distribution, resulting in improved dissolution and handleability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If flexible dissolvable sheets are made thin to improve dissolution rate, then dissolution speed is improved, but handling ease and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dissolvable article is divided into multiple thin layers (at least two layers) stacked together. Each layer maintains high dissolution rate due to its thinness, while the stacked configuration provides cumulative thickness that improves handling ease and structural integrity during use.
2Ease of operation
If multilayer structures are used to improve handling ease, then handling ease and aesthetic appeal are improved, but dissolution rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each layer in the multilayer structure is designed with specific local properties (thin thickness for fast dissolution) while the overall structure achieves different properties (cumulative thickness for good handling). The layers are stacked in a configuration where water can penetrate through multiple interfaces, maintaining fast dissolution despite the multilayer construction.
3Strength
If sheet thickness is increased to improve structural integrity, then structural integrity and aesthetic appeal are improved, but dissolution rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing thickness in one dimension, the solution stacks multiple thin layers in the thickness direction. This dimensional approach allows the article to achieve sufficient structural integrity through layer stacking while each individual layer remains thin enough for rapid water penetration and fast dissolution.
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 multilayer structure allows for easier handling and enhanced aesthetic appeal while maintaining fast dissolution rates, with the controlled heating direction ensuring uniform pore distribution and reduced density for improved water ingress.
Implementation Method 1
drying said formed sheet to form a flexible porous dissolvable solid sheet
Implementation Method 2
drying said formed sheet by heating said formed sheet along a heating direction that is substantially offset from a gravitational direction
Implementation Method 3
resulting in uniform pore distribution and reduced density for improved water ingress
Data Source
AI summary
This provides an improved dissolvable solid article with a specific aspect ratio. Such dissolvable solid article has a multilayer structure comprising two or more flexible, dissolvable, porous sheets, while each of which comprises a water-soluble polymer and a surfactant and is characterized by a Percent Open Cell Content of from 80% to 100% and an Overall Average Pore Size of from 100 μm to 2000 μm. The multilayer dissolvable solid article is characterized by a maximum dimension D and a minimum dimension z; and wherein the ratio of D/z ranges from 1 to 10.