Asymmetrical Absorbent Article Printed Region Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Long, asymmetrical absorbent articles lack printed regions to guide individual placement, making it confusing for users to position them correctly based on their fluid management needs, especially given the asymmetry and length of these products.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a printed region on the absorbent article that does not span its entire length, allowing for visual guidance on placement, with the majority of the printed area positioned on one half to help users orient the article according to their specific fluid management requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a printed region is added to guide placement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of placementVSAvoidproduct complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies printed regions with different colors or patterns on the absorbent article to provide visual cues for correct placement. The printed region includes a first color on one major surface and a second color on the other major surface, allowing users to easily identify the front and back of the article through color differentiation without adding mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Ease of operation

If the printed region spans the entire length, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of placementVSAvoidprinting alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The printed region is segmented into distinct zones: a first printed zone on the first major surface and a second printed zone on the second major surface, with the printed region not spanning the entire length of the article. This segmentation reduces the cumulative alignment tolerance requirements compared to a full-length printed pattern, making manufacturing more feasible while still providing sufficient visual guidance for placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11717453B2Absorbent article having a printed region

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

Asymmetrical absorbent articles having printed regions to facilitate individual placement of the absorbent article are described.