Superabsorbent Gel Fiber Wipe Composition to Reduce Gel Migration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gel-wipes require multiple preparation steps and have issues with gel migration, leading to manufacturing complexity and contamination, while maintaining effective cleansing efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A single-step process incorporating superabsorbent gel fibers into the substrate, which are pre-neutralized and swell upon contact with a liquid cleansing composition, embedding the gel within the fibers, eliminating the need for separate gelling and neutralizing agents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple preparation steps are used to apply gelling material and neutralizing agent separately, then gel layer is formed in wipe fibers, but manufacturing complexity increases and gel migration occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegel layer formationVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the gelling agent and neutralizing agent into a single dual-functional agent that can both form the gel layer and neutralize the gelling polymer in one application step, eliminating the need for separate coating steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while preventing gel migration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The gelling/neutralizing agent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a gelling agent to form the gel layer, a neutralizing agent to neutralize the gelling polymer, and a cleansing composition to provide cleaning efficacy, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process into a single coating step

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If high viscosity solutions are used for gelling polymer, then gel layer is formed, but processing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegel layer formationVSAvoidprocessing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the gelling/neutralizing agent solution to an optimal range that allows for easy processing and coating while still enabling effective gel layer formation, balancing processability with functional performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If gel is applied separately from cleansing composition, then gel layer is formed, but gel migration off fabric occurs causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegel layer formationVSAvoidgel migration and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the gelling/neutralizing agent with the cleansing composition into a single integrated formulation, ensuring that the gel layer forms simultaneously with the cleansing composition application, preventing gel migration off the fabric and eliminating contamination risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 process simplifies manufacturing, reduces gel migration, enhances cleansing efficacy, and provides a soft, cushiony texture with improved moisture retention and reduced irritation, while being cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

the superabsorbent polymer contains a water-soluble polymeric component... in an amount sufficient to cause swelling of the first fibers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

cause swelling of the first fibers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwelling: Hydrogel

Data Source

PatentEP3310442B1Gel wipe composition comprising a superabsorbent gel fiber

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 JOHNSON & JOHNSON CONSUMER INC

AI summary

A fibrous gel-wipe, methods making the gel-wipe and methods of using the gel-wipe, suitable for use in personal care and household cleansing applications, which gel-wipe includes a superabsorbent gel fiber and a liquid cleansing composition.