Textured Fibrous Structures with Enhanced Surface Height for Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing textured fibrous structures, such as spunlaced and airlaid products, exhibit low surface height properties, leading to less than desirable actual and perceived bowel movement cleaning performance due to insufficient texture imparted on their surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The development of textured fibrous structures with increased surface height properties by imparting deformations such as protrusions and depressions, achieving average absolute surface height values greater than 250 μm, root mean square average surface height values greater than 300 μm, and height difference surface height values greater than 825 μm, utilizing methods like thermal bonding and patterned rolls to create these textures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If patterned thermal bonding rolls are used to bond filaments together, then fibrous structure integrity is improved, but surface height properties remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the bonding pattern, using raised patterns with specific dimensions (area 0.03-0.30 mm², spacing 0.10-0.50 mm) to simultaneously achieve bonding integrity and surface height. The raised pattern geometry creates both mechanical bonding and surface texture in a single operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal bonding roll performs multiple functions simultaneously: it bonds the filaments together to provide structural integrity while the raised pattern on its surface imparts the desired surface height properties. This multi-functional approach eliminates the trade-off between bonding and texturing.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional textured fibrous structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but surface height properties are insufficient for desired cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the parameters of existing thermal bonding processes by specifying raised pattern dimensions and thermal bonding conditions (temperature 150-250°C, pressure 0.1-2.0 MPa, time 0.5-5.0 seconds) to achieve both manufacturing simplicity and enhanced surface height properties greater than 75 μm.
3Quantity of substance
If flat surface fibrous structures are used, then material usage is optimized, but cleaning effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional textured surface by imparting raised patterns that create height variations greater than 75 μm. This dimensional change enhances cleaning effectiveness by improving contact with bowel movements while maintaining material efficiency.
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 enhanced surface height properties of the textured fibrous structures improve both actual and perceived bowel movement cleaning effectiveness, providing a more effective cleaning experience.
Implementation Method 1
manufacturers of filament-containing fibrous structures have utilized patterned thermal bonding rolls... to bond its filaments and materials together
Data Source
AI summary
Textured fibrous structures, and more particularly textured fibrous structures having a plurality of deformations such that the textures fibrous structures exhibit novel surface height properties compared to known fibrous structures, and methods for making such textured fibrous structures.