Absorbent Article Softness via Hydroenhanced Nonwoven Backsheet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thinner absorbent articles, such as diapers, lack the softness associated with thicker models, necessitating a mechanism to enhance their comfort and feel without compromising absorbency or thickness.
Innovation Solution
A disposable absorbent article design featuring a cellulose-free absorbent core with superabsorbent particulate polymer material between two substrates, coated with thermoplastic adhesive, and a hydroenhanced nonwoven backsheet with a high basis weight and surface treatment, ensuring continuous distribution of absorbent material and reduced compression for improved softness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the absorbent article is made thinner to reduce bulk and improve wearability, then the thickness and bulk are reduced, but the softness and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining superabsorbent particulate polymer material with a hydroenhanced nonwoven backsheet having specific basis weight and surface treatment. This composite structure provides both thinness and softness, resolving the contradiction between reduced thickness and maintained comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the backsheet material, specifically using a hydroenhanced nonwoven with basis weight of at least about 22 gsm and applying surface treatments. These parameter changes enable the thinner article to maintain softness characteristics typically associated with thicker materials.
2Ease of operation
If the basis weight of the nonwoven backsheet is increased to improve softness, then the softness and comfort are enhanced, but the overall thickness and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the softness-enhancing properties in the backsheet layer rather than uniformly throughout the entire absorbent article. The hydroenhanced nonwoven backsheet with basis weight of at least about 22 gsm provides localized softness without requiring the entire article to be thicker.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of superabsorbent particulate polymer material with the hydroenhanced nonwoven backsheet creates a composite structure where the backsheet's higher basis weight and surface treatment provide softness while the overall article remains thin due to the efficiency of the superabsorbent material.
3Ease of operation
If compression is reduced to maintain softness in thinner articles, then the softness is preserved, but the absorbent capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses superabsorbent particulate polymer material which copies the absorbent function of traditional bulkier materials but in a more space-efficient form. This allows reduced compression to maintain softness while the superabsorbent material ensures adequate absorbent capacity is achieved through its high absorption efficiency per unit volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the absorbent material by using particulate polymer with specific characteristics that allow it to maintain absorbent capacity even with reduced compression. The hydroenhanced nonwoven backsheet also undergoes parameter changes through surface treatment to maintain softness without requiring high compression.
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 absorbent articles with softness comparable to thicker models, maintaining high absorbency and a thinner profile, achieved through the combination of hydroenhanced nonwovens, higher basis weight, and surface treatments, while minimizing in-bag compression.
Implementation Method 1
superabsorbent particulate polymer material deposited on the first and second substrates
Implementation Method 2
absorbent particulate polymer material is substantially continuously distributed across the absorbent particulate polymer material area
Implementation Method 3
thermoplastic adhesive material covering the absorbent particulate polymer material on the respective first and second substrates, the first and second absorbent layers combined together such that at least a portion of the thermoplastic adhesive material of the first absorbent layer contacts at least a portion of the thermoplastic adhesive material of the second absorbent layer
Implementation Method 4
the backsheet comprises a hydroenhanced nonwoven web having a fiber surface modifying agent on the web
Implementation Method 5
hydroenhanced nonwoven web having a fiber surface modifying agent on the web
Data Source
AI summary
Disposable absorbent article comprising a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core wherein the article has improved softness.