Sanitary Tissue 3D Patterning Compressibility Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sanitary tissue products fall short in providing the desired level of cushiness and flexibility, as measured by compressibility and plate stiffness, which are essential for a more comfortable and luxurious user experience.
Innovation Solution
The use of patterned molding members in the manufacturing process to create three-dimensional (3D) patterns in the fibrous structures of sanitary tissue products, resulting in improved compressibility and reduced plate stiffness, enhancing the products' cushiness and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional sanitary tissue products are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but compressibility is insufficient and plate stiffness is too high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies 3D patterning to the tissue structure, transitioning from conventional 2D flat surfaces to three-dimensional architectures with peaks, valleys, and interconnected pores. This dimensional change creates air pockets and void spaces that significantly improve compressibility while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through patterned molding members
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces porous structures through 3D patterning, creating interconnected void spaces and air pockets within the tissue matrix. These porous regions allow for greater compression by providing space for fiber rearrangement and air entrapment, directly addressing the insufficient compressibility of conventional dense tissue structures
2Ease of operation
If conventional sanitary tissue products are used, then flexibility is insufficient, but increasing flexibility through material changes may compromise strength
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D patterning creates a multi-layered architecture with elevated regions and depressed zones that can deform more easily under bending stresses. The three-dimensional topology provides inherent flexibility by distributing mechanical stresses across multiple levels, allowing the tissue to bend and conform without compromising overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patterned molding members introduce curved surfaces, rounded peaks, and arched valleys into the tissue structure. These curved geometries naturally distribute stress more evenly compared to flat surfaces, enhancing flexibility by reducing stress concentration points while maintaining strength through graceful load distribution
3Strength
If 3D patterned structures are implemented, then compressibility and flexibility are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patterned molding members serve as reusable templates that copy the desired 3D pattern onto successive tissue layers. Once a pattern is established on the molding member surface, it can be replicated indefinitely through repeated contact with the tissue web, eliminating the need to create new complex structures for each production run and simplifying ongoing manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patterned molding members perform multiple functions simultaneously: they define the 3D geometric pattern, control drainage pathways, create porous structures, and establish surface texture all in a single manufacturing step. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate processing stages and minimizes overall manufacturing complexity despite the sophistication of the resulting tissue architecture
4Ease of operation
If 3D patterned structures are implemented, then flexibility improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patterned molding members serve as reusable templates that copy the desired 3D pattern onto successive tissue layers. Once a pattern is established on the molding member surface, it can be replicated indefinitely through repeated contact with the tissue web, eliminating the need to create new complex structures for each production run and simplifying ongoing manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patterned molding members perform multiple functions simultaneously: they define the 3D geometric pattern, control drainage pathways, create porous structures, and establish surface texture all in a single manufacturing step. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate processing stages and minimizes overall manufacturing complexity despite the sophistication of the resulting tissue architecture
Data Source
AI summary
Sanitary tissue products employing fibrous structures that exhibit novel compressibility properties alone and in combination with plate stiffness properties and methods for making same.