Embossed Single-Ply Tissue Structure With Low Modulus and Elongation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for fibrous structures that exhibit a Geometric Mean Modulus (GM Modulus) of less than 1070 g/cm and/or a Geometric Mean Elongation (GM Elongation) of less than 15%, which are not currently available, particularly in single-ply, embossed forms that meet consumer preferences.
Innovation Solution
The development of fibrous structures with specific properties, including a GM Modulus of less than 1070 g/cm and GM Elongation of less than 15%, achieved through the use of co-formed structures comprising polypropylene filaments and wood pulp fibers, and processes such as wet-laid papermaking, which allow for the creation of embossed sanitary tissue products with desired tactile and absorbent properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional fibrous structures are used, then manufacturing processes are well-established, but the GM Modulus exceeds 1070 g/cm and GM Elongation exceeds 15%, failing to meet consumer preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the geometric mean modulus to be less than 1070 g/cm and geometric mean elongation to be less than 15% through modified wet-laid papermaking processes, embossing parameters, and blend composition ratios, transforming conventional fibrous structures into consumer-preferred soft tissue products
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by creating a multi-component blend consisting of wood pulp fibers (40-70%), polypropylene filaments (10-30%), and optional elastomeric filaments (0-10%), where each component contributes specific properties that collectively achieve the target GM Modulus and GM Elongation values
2Device complexity
If single-ply embossed structures are created, then product simplicity and cost-effectiveness improve, but achieving low GM Modulus (<1070 g/cm) and low GM Elongation (<15%) simultaneously becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating embossed patterns that create regions of varying density and compression within the single-ply structure, allowing different areas to contribute differently to the overall GM Modulus and GM Elongation while maintaining product simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing a single-ply structure that simultaneously provides absorbency, softness, strength, and dimensional stability through integrated fiber-blend composition and embossing, eliminating the need for multiple plies while meeting all performance requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Fibrous structures that exhibit a Geometric Mean Modulus (GM Modulus) of less than 1070 g/cm as measured according to the Modulus Test Method described herein and a Geometric Mean Elongation (GM Elongation or GM Elong) of less than 15% measured according to the Elongation Test Method described herein are provided.