Water-Soluble Fibrous Structures with Active Agent-Releasing Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers seek new and improved fibrous structures that incorporate water-soluble filaments and active agents, as well as particles, to provide enhanced performance and properties in various applications, which existing fibrous structures fail to meet.
Innovation Solution
Development of fibrous structures comprising a plurality of fibrous elements and water-soluble, active agent-containing particles, where the active agents are releasable under conditions of intended use, and a method for making these structures by spinning filament-forming compositions into fibrous elements and associating active agent-containing particles with them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If water-insoluble filaments and particles are used in fibrous structures, then structural integrity is maintained, but consumer demand for water-soluble structures with active agents cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrous structure is segmented into water-soluble components (fibrous matrix and particles) that can dissolve under specific conditions. This segmentation allows the structure to transition from an intact state to a dissolved state, releasing active agents while maintaining structural integrity when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by selecting fibrous materials and particles with specific water solubility characteristics. By controlling the solubility parameters of the matrix and particles, the structure can maintain integrity during storage and handling, then dissolve when exposed to water under intended use conditions, releasing active agents
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing fibrous structures with particles are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but enhanced performance and diverse properties desired by consumers are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining water-soluble fibrous matrix materials with water-soluble particles containing active agents. This composite approach enables the structure to exhibit multiple properties (solubility, active agent release, mechanical strength) that individual materials cannot provide alone, meeting diverse consumer requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The fibrous structure is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both the matrix and particles with active agents. The structure serves multiple functions: providing structural support, controlling active agent release, and enabling water solubility. This universal design allows application across different consumer needs without fundamentally changing the basic structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If water-soluble particles containing active agents are incorporated into fibrous structures, then consumer performance requirements are met, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating particles with water-soluble materials before incorporating them into the fibrous matrix. This pre-preparation ensures that particles are ready for controlled dissolution and active agent release, simplifying the overall manufacturing process by avoiding complex post-processing steps
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 resulting fibrous structures offer improved performance and properties by releasing active agents under specific conditions, enhancing their functionality and meeting consumer demands for diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
one or more water-soluble, active agent-containing particles
Data Source
AI summary
Fibrous structures containing one or more particles, and methods for making same are provided.