Nanofiber Sheet with Gradation Region for Natural Cosmetic Finish
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nanofiber sheets used as cosmetic sheets are visible when attached to the skin, making it difficult to achieve a natural-looking finish, and existing manufacturing methods do not provide a technique to make these sheets less visible.
Innovation Solution
A nanofiber sheet with a substrate layer and a nanofiber layer containing polymer compound fibers, where the nanofiber layer has a gradation region with a thickness that gradually increases inward from the peripheral edge, and a manufacturing method involving electrospinning with a nozzle or collecting unit movement to create a desired thickness and shape, making the sheet less conspicuous on the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If nanofiber sheets are made with uniform thickness for effective concealment, then the concealment performance is improved, but the sheets become visible at the edges making the finish unnatural
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a nanofiber layer with spatially varying thickness: a thicker inner region (5-50 μm) for concealment and a thinner peripheral edge region (0.1-10 μm) for natural appearance. This gradient structure allows different regions to serve different functions - the center provides coverage while the edges remain inconspicuous, resolving the contradiction between concealment effectiveness and natural finish.
2Manufacturing precision
If the nanofiber layer thickness is increased for better concealment, then the concealment ability is improved, but the sheet becomes more visible and less natural-looking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements local quality by specifying that the nanofiber layer has different thicknesses in different regions: the inner region has a thickness of 5-50 μm for effective concealment, while the peripheral edge region has a reduced thickness of 0.1-10 μm to minimize visibility. This localized thickness variation allows the sheet to provide adequate concealment where needed while remaining invisible at the edges.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrospinning methods are used without nozzle movement, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the nanofiber thickness distribution is uniform and cannot achieve gradient structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing movement of the nozzle or collecting unit during electrospinning to create a gradient thickness distribution. By moving the nozzle or collector, the deposition time and nanofiber accumulation vary spatially, producing a thicker region where deposition occurs longer and thinner regions at the periphery. This dynamic approach enables precise thickness distribution control while building upon the simple electrospinning process.
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 nanofiber sheet effectively conceals spots and wrinkles on the skin while being less noticeable, providing a natural finish even when cosmetics are applied, and the manufacturing method allows for precise control of thickness and shape to enhance adhesiveness and concealment.
Implementation Method 1
ejecting a material liquid from a nozzle while applying a high voltage between the nozzle and a counter electrode, and depositing, onto a collecting unit, nanofibers produced from the material liquid by electrospinning
Data Source
AI summary
A nanofiber sheet includes: a substrate layer; and a nanofiber layer located on one surface side of the substrate layer and containing nanofibers of a polymer compound. A peripheral edge of the nanofiber layer has a thickness of from 0.1 to 10 μm. The nanofiber layer includes a gradation region having a thickness that gradually increases inward from the peripheral edge. The distance W1 between the peripheral edge of the nanofiber layer and a maximum thickness portion where the thickness becomes the greatest in the gradation region is at least 3 mm. A nanofiber sheet manufacturing method involves depositing nanofibers onto a collecting unit by moving at least either a nozzle or the collecting unit, to thereby manufacture a predetermined nanofiber sheet including a gradation region.