Absorbent Articles With 3D Topsheets and Color Indicia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent articles fail to provide the impression of depth, improved softness, reduced skin exposure to bodily exudates, and uniform fluid distribution, while also being aesthetically pleasing and conveniently packaged.
Innovation Solution
The use of three-dimensional materials with channel configurations in various layers of absorbent articles, combined with indicia and color, to create a visually appealing and functionally effective absorbent product that distributes fluids evenly and reduces skin exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three-dimensional materials are added to absorbent articles to create depth and improve softness, then consumer perception of absorbency and softness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies three-dimensional materials with varying loft heights (first, second, and third regions with different heights) to the topsheet surface, transforming a traditionally two-dimensional absorbent article into a multi-dimensional structure. This dimensional enhancement creates visual depth and tactile softness variability, improving consumer perception while managing complexity through structured regional variation rather than random complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the topsheet into distinct regions with different three-dimensional material properties: a first region with higher loft for enhanced softness perception, a second region with intermediate loft, and a third region with lower loft. This local differentiation allows each zone to serve specific functional and aesthetic purposes, improving overall product perception without requiring uniform complexity throughout the entire article
2Reliability
If channels are configured in absorbent core and intermediate layers to distribute fluid evenly, then uniform fluid distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements channels in multiple separate layers: channels in the absorbent core and additional channels in intermediate layers between the absorbent core and topsheet. This segmentation of fluid distribution function across multiple layers allows each layer to handle specific aspects of fluid transport, achieving uniform distribution while organizing complexity into manageable, modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions channel structures in intermediate layers that are nested between the absorbent core and the topsheet assembly. The channels in intermediate layers are spatially nested within the overall article structure, allowing fluid distribution to occur at multiple hierarchical levels without creating a monolithic complex system
3Reliability
If indicia and color are applied to various layers to enhance visual appeal and consumer perception, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies indicia and color variations to different layers and regions of the absorbent article, including the topsheet and intermediate layers. This use of color and visual indicators enhances aesthetic appeal and communicates product features to consumers, while the application is integrated into the existing layer structure rather than requiring separate complex manufacturing steps
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent article is disclosed, including a three-dimensional material formed of a liquid permeable topsheet and an acquisition material. The acquisition material is positioned beneath the topsheet, and both may be formed of nonwoven material. The three dimensional material may have two surfaces and a plurality of protrusions extending in a z-direction from one of the surfaces, each protrusion having side walls defining an opening in the other of the surfaces. One of the topsheet and the acquisition material may include fibers spun of polymer resin pigmented with a first color that differs from a second color of fibers of the other of the topsheet and the acquisition material, and the differing colors are visible when viewing a wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article.