Absorbent Article Robotic Manipulation Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Absorbent articles, such as diapers, lack design elements that enable automated systems to identify, grasp, open, and fasten them, limiting their integration with robotic systems for efficient application and disposal.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating manipulation-enablement features like engagement members, alignment indicia, fastener indicia, and manipulation indicia on the absorbent article to assist robotic devices in identifying and interacting with the product, along with the use of UV fluorescent adhesives to enhance robotic system visibility and interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional absorbent articles are used without automated identification features, then the article structure remains simple and manufacturing is easier, but automated systems cannot identify or engage with the product
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article is divided into distinct functional zones with different surface properties: a first region with first surface characteristics for robotic engagement and a second region with second surface characteristics for human interaction. This segmentation allows each region to serve its specific purpose without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the absorbent article are given different surface properties tailored to their specific functions. The first region has properties optimized for robotic grasping and identification, while the second region has properties optimized for human skin contact and comfort, allowing each area to have the quality it needs.
2Extent of automation
If manual fastening by caregiver is used, then the fastening process is simple, but robotic systems cannot consistently apply secure fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical fastening with an automated robotic fastening system that uses controlled mechanical forces. The robotic system applies consistent stress/strain curves during fastening, eliminating the variability inherent in manual operation and achieving reliable, repeatable fastening results.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic fastening system incorporates sensing and feedback mechanisms that monitor the fastening process in real-time. The system adjusts its applied forces based on feedback from sensors detecting tissue deformation, fastener engagement, and other parameters, ensuring consistent and reliable fastening while preventing excessive force that could cause harm.
3Adaptability or versatility
If absorbent article is designed for human interaction only, then human use is intuitive, but robotic identification and manipulation is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article is divided into distinct functional zones with different surface properties: a first region with first surface characteristics for robotic engagement and a second region with second surface characteristics for human interaction. This segmentation allows each region to serve its specific purpose without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the absorbent article are given different surface properties tailored to their specific functions. The first region has properties optimized for robotic grasping and identification, while the second region has properties optimized for human skin contact and comfort, allowing each area to have the quality it needs.
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
Enables robotic systems to effectively remove, don, and dispose of absorbent articles by providing clear visual cues and mechanical interfaces for alignment and fastening, improving the efficiency and consistency of the process.
Implementation Method 1
UV fluorescent adhesives to enhance robotic system visibility and interaction
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for removing and donning a disposable absorbent article by using a separate robotic device includes an absorbent assembly having an inner layer that partly defines a body-facing surface, an outer layer that defines a garment-facing surface, and an absorbent body disposed between the inner and outer layers. The absorbent assembly also includes a pair of ears extending transversely outward from the opposite sides of the absorbent assembly in the back waist region, each of the ears including a body-facing surface with a primary first fastening-component that is selectively engageable with a primary second fastening-component in the front waist region of the absorbent assembly in a wear configuration of the article, and a garment-facing surface opposite the body-facing surface. The absorbent article also includes a manipulation-enablement feature configured to assist the post-retail manipulation of the absorbent article by the robotic device.