Parallel Wipe Folding and Rolling for Moisture Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manufacturing processes for individually wrapped wet wipes are inefficient, particularly in terms of speed and space utilization, and often result in loss of cleansing fluid during the folding and rolling processes.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that involves folding and rolling wipes in parallel lanes using a rolling mechanism with retractable containment sleeves, eliminating the need for a phasing conveyor and optimizing space usage, while maintaining the integrity of the wipes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing manufacturing processes are used for individually wrapped wet wipes, then each wipe can be packaged individually, but the manufacturing speed is slow and space requirements are large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing speedVSAvoidmanufacturing apparatus space

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple manufacturing operations (folding, rolling, and packaging) into a single integrated apparatus that processes multiple wipes simultaneously through parallel lanes, eliminating the need for separate stations and phasing conveyors, thereby increasing manufacturing speed while reducing space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing apparatus is divided into multiple parallel lanes that process different wipes simultaneously, allowing for concurrent production without requiring additional space for sequential processing stages, thus improving productivity within the same footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If wipes are folded and rolled individually before packaging, then each wipe maintains its integrity, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewipe integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs folding and rolling operations as preliminary steps within the same apparatus before packaging, ensuring wipe integrity is maintained throughout the process without requiring complex external handling or multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing apparatus is designed as a multi-functional device that can fold, roll, and package multiple wipes simultaneously through parallel lanes, reducing overall process complexity while maintaining individual wipe integrity through standardized operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional rolling mechanisms are used, then wipes can be rolled for packaging, but cleansing fluid is lost during the rolling process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverolling capabilityVSAvoidcleansing fluid loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic containment sleeves that expand and contract during the rolling process to adaptively contain the wipe and retain cleansing fluid, preventing fluid loss while maintaining the rolling capability necessary for packaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260070691A1Wipes Processing

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 KENVUE BRANDS LLC

AI summary

An apparatus and method for forming a plurality of individually folded and rolled wipe products, which allows for multiple individually folded and rolled wipe products to be processed concurrently, and which maintains moisture in the wipe product during manufacturing.