Pants-shaped Absorbent Article Joining Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pants-shaped absorbent articles face issues with sheet separation and elastic member rupture due to unjoined portions and adhesive or welding methods, leading to potential tearing and hardness.
Innovation Solution
A pants-shaped absorbent article design featuring an overlaid structure with a first sheet member, a second sheet member, and a third sheet member, where the first and second members are intermittently welded, and the second and third members are joined using adhesive, with the second sheet member being shorter in the up-down direction and welded portions strategically placed to prevent peeling and maintain softness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If all sheets are joined using adhesive, then the sheets become hard, but if all sheets are joined by welding, then the elastic member becomes ruptured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the joining method into two segments: welding for the first sheet member to intermediate sheet member (avoiding hardness) and adhesive for the intermediate sheet member to second sheet member (avoiding elastic member rupture). This segmentation allows each joining method to be applied where it is most effective without its negative side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different joining qualities to different locations: welding is applied at the crotch portion where high strength is needed and no elastic members are present, while adhesive is applied where elastic members are located to prevent rupture. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength and hardness/elastic member integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the outer-layer sheet and intermediate sheet are not joined, then the article remains soft, but the un-joined portion is likely to stretch and rip when pulled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the joining strategy by leaving the outer-layer sheet and intermediate sheet unjoined in most areas (maintaining softness) while applying adhesive only at specific locations where strength is needed to prevent stretching and ripping during pull-up.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fully joining or fully leaving unjoined, the patent applies partial joining (adhesive at specific locations) to achieve the optimal balance between softness and strength, using just enough joining action where required.
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 design enhances reinforcement without rupturing the elastic member, maintains softness, and reduces the risk of tearing, ensuring strength and comfort throughout the absorbent article.
Implementation Method 1
the first sheet member and the second sheet member being joined by being intermittently welded in a plurality of welded portions
Implementation Method 2
the second sheet member and the third sheet member being joined using an adhesive
Data Source
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AI summary
A pants-shaped absorbent article (1) having a waist opening (BH) and a pair of leg openings (LH) includes: an absorbent main body (10) having an absorbent core (13); and an exterior member (30) joined to the absorbent main body (10). The exterior member (30) has an overlaid portion (30s) in which a first sheet member (31), a second sheet member (32), and a third sheet member (33) are overlaid in order from a skin side to a non-skin side in a thickness direction. The first sheet member (31) and the second sheet member (32) are joined by being intermittently welded in a plurality of welded portions (60a). Between the second sheet member (32) and the third sheet member (33), an elastic member (34) is arranged. The second sheet member (32) and the third sheet member (33) are joined using an adhesive.