Absorbent Article Discrete Elastic Panels Offset Fasteners
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers, face challenges in achieving a snug fit across a wide range of body types while minimizing material usage to reduce costs, as traditional stretch laminates are difficult and expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates discrete elastically elongatable panels with offset fastening members and varying bond densities, allowing for improved fit and flexibility without increasing material usage, and includes an elastic waistband to enhance fit and reduce material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional stretch laminates are used to achieve snug fit across various body types, then fit and adaptability are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic waistband is divided into multiple discrete components: a first elastic panel, a second elastic panel, and a central waistband portion. These segmented elements can be manufactured separately and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the adaptability needed for snug fit across various body types.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic waistband structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides elastic expansion for fit, acts as a structural component of the absorbent article, and enables adjustment to different body types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If more material is used to ensure proper fit and containment, then fit and leakage prevention are improved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic waistband utilizes elastic panels with specific elastic properties that allow the same material quantity to achieve greater functional effectiveness. The elastic expansion capability enables the waistband to adapt to different body sizes without requiring additional material, thereby maintaining leakage prevention while reducing material usage.
3Strength
If traditional laminate structures are used to provide structural integrity, then strength is maintained, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waistband is segmented into discrete elastic panels and a central portion that can be manufactured using simpler processes and then assembled. This segmentation reduces the manufacturing difficulty compared to producing a single complex laminate structure, while the assembly of these segments maintains the required structural integrity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If elastic panels with offset fastening members are used to improve fit, then adaptability and comfort are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The offset fastening members create an asymmetric structure within the elastic panels that enables improved fit and adjustment capability. This asymmetric design allows the waistband to conform better to the body's contours while the offset configuration itself provides the adjustment mechanism, reducing the need for additional complex components.
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
This design provides a cost-effective solution by maintaining optimal fit across various body types with reduced material usage, enhancing breathability and comfort while minimizing the risk of leakage and deformation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric film attached to the cover layer
Implementation Method 2
said least one cover layer and elastomeric film are joined by mechanical bonding, at a plurality of discrete bonding elements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An absorbent article comprising: a chassis comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between said topsheet and backsheet, and comprising a longitudinal axis extending along a length of said chassis and a transverse axis being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and extending along a width of said chassis, wherein said length extends along the longest dimension of said chassis; one or more, preferably at least two, discrete elastically elongatable panels each comprising an imaginary panel axis dividing said panel(s) into two halves comprising an upper or back half and a lower or front half wherein the lower or front half is generally positioned closer to a front portion of the article compared to said upper or back half; and one or more fastening members joined to each of said one or more discrete elastically elongatable panels, and comprising an imaginary fastener axis; wherein the one or more fastening members are joined to the upper or back half of said discrete elastically elongatable panels, and wherein the panel axis and the fastener axis are offset, and wherein said panels comprise at least one cover layer and an elastomeric film attached to the cover layer.