Asymmetrical Tissue Embossing for Thickness and Quilt Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue paper products with embossed designs face challenges in maintaining aesthetic appeal and structural integrity, particularly in multi-ply products where embossed regions tend to collapse under pressure, leading to loss of thickness and quilted appearance during converting and packaging.
Innovation Solution
The use of an irregular and asymmetrical embossing pattern on at least one surface of a multi-ply tissue paper product, with specific adjustments in the quantity and placement of 'dot' and 'line' embossments to enhance bond strength, softness, and drape, while maintaining a consumer-preferred aesthetic quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If knob-to-knob embossing is used to increase web thickness, then the thickness benefit is lost during converting and packaging due to pillow collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nested embossing where the pattern on one ply is positioned within the recesses of the opposing ply's pattern. This nesting arrangement allows the embossed regions to interlock and support each other, preventing collapse during converting and packaging while maintaining the desired thickness and quilted appearance throughout the product lifecycle.
2Stability of the object's composition
If nested embossing is used to maintain quilted appearance, then bond strength between plies may be insufficient without additional adhesive application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the embossing function with the bonding function by positioning adhesive application points at the embossed sites where the nested patterns contact each other. This combination ensures that the adhesive is applied precisely where the plies are already in close contact due to the nested embossing, thereby enhancing bond strength while maintaining the quilted appearance without requiring separate bonding mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If regular symmetrical embossing pattern is used, then aesthetic appeal is reduced compared to irregular asymmetrical patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs irregular and asymmetrical embossing patterns that vary in size, shape, and distribution across the web surface. This asymmetry creates a more natural, aesthetically pleasing appearance that mimics hand-quilting effects, while the nested arrangement ensures structural consistency and functional performance are maintained throughout the product.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for a web substrate having at least one ply having a surface. The surface has an irregular and asymmetrical embossing pattern disposed thereon.