Absorbent Article Attachment Regions for Wearable Sensor Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing absorbent articles lack secure and reliable attachment mechanisms for wearable sensing devices, which can lead to unintentional removal and pose choking hazards, especially for children, and fail to effectively communicate wetness changes to caregivers.

Innovation Solution

The absorbent article features distinct attachment regions with different peel force responses, utilizing outwardly facing hooks and loops for secure fastening around the waist and for attaching a wearable sensing device, ensuring the device remains securely positioned near a wetness indicator while allowing easy removal and reattachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single attachment region with uniform peel force is used, then the structure is simple, but the wearable sensing device may be removed unintentionally or by others, posing safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of sensing device attachmentVSAvoidattachment region structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into two distinct attachment regions: a first attachment region with higher peel force for securing the absorbent article around the waist, and a second attachment region with lower peel force for securing the wearable sensing device. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring the sensing device remains securely attached while enabling easy removal by the caregiver when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different peel force characteristics are applied to different locations on the absorbent article. The first attachment region (waist area) has higher peel force to prevent unintentional removal, while the second attachment region (sensing device area) has lower peel force to allow easy removal and reattachment. This local differentiation of attachment properties resolves the contradiction between security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If high peel force is used to prevent removal, then security is improved, but the device cannot be easily removed and reattached by the caregiver

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unintentional removalVSAvoidease of removal and reattachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into two distinct attachment regions: a first attachment region with higher peel force for securing the absorbent article around the waist, and a second attachment region with lower peel force for securing the wearable sensing device. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring the sensing device remains securely attached while enabling easy removal by the caregiver when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the sensing device is securely attached, then it remains positioned near the wetness indicator, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracy of sensing deviceVSAvoidattachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different peel force characteristics are applied to different locations on the absorbent article. The first attachment region (waist area) has higher peel force to prevent unintentional removal, while the second attachment region (sensing device area) has lower peel force to allow easy removal and reattachment. This local differentiation of attachment properties resolves the contradiction between security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The second attachment region serves multiple functions: it secures the wearable sensing device in the correct position near the wetness indicator, allows easy removal and reattachment by the caregiver, and maintains a simple hook-and-loop structure consistent with the first attachment region. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides a secure attachment for the absorbent article around the waist and for the sensing device, preventing unintentional removal and ensuring effective communication of wetness changes, enhancing wear comfort and safety by maintaining the device's proximity to the wetness indicator.

Implementation Method 1

the outwardly facing fibres interact to form a releaseable attachment between the fastenening elements and the first attachment region, wherein the interacting outwardly facing fibres comprise hooks and loops

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHook and loop mechanism: Velcro

Data Source

PatentEP3721844B1Absorbent article comprising attachment regions
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP3721844B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3721844B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3721844B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The present invention relates to absorbent article comprising topsheet, backsheet and an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet, and further comprising fastening elements for securing the article around the waist of a wearer, wherein the article comprises at least two attachment regions: a first attachment region for securing the fastening elements in the waist region; and a second attachment region for securing a wearable sensing device, the second attachment region being located on the side of the backsheet opposite to the absorbent core; wherein the first attachment region has a first surface and the second attachment region has a second surface and wherein the first surface is different from the second surface. The present invention further relates to a system comprising the absorbent article and a wearable sensing device. The present invention further relates to a method of attaching a wearable sensing device to an absorbent article.