Absorbent Core Bowl Shaping via Elastic Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incontinence protectors and similar absorbent articles typically require manual shaping to achieve the desired bowl shape upon application, and the absorbent core is not optimally positioned close to the body, increasing the risk of a wet surface coming into contact with the user.
Innovation Solution
An absorbent article with a liquid-permeable top sheet and a backing sheet, featuring an absorbent core with an elongated hole and elastic elements attached to its lateral edges, which guide the absorbent core's shape and positioning closer to the body, reducing the risk of a wet surface contacting the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If elastic elements are attached outside the absorbent core, then the core can be shaped into a bowl shape, but the core is not optimally positioned close to the body
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic elements are merged with the absorbent core by attaching them directly to the lateral edges of the core, rather than positioning them externally. This integration ensures that the elastic elements move with the core, maintaining optimal proximity to the body while still providing the necessary shaping force to create the bowl shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic elements serve as an intermediary mechanism that transmits the shaping force from the top sheet to the absorbent core, enabling the core to assume a bowl shape while remaining close to the body. The elastic elements mediate between the structural requirements for shaping and the functional requirement for close body contact.
2Ease of operation
If the absorbent core is positioned close to the body, then comfort is improved, but the risk of wet surface contacting the body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent core is segmented into multiple layers (first absorbent layer, second absorbent layer, and acquisition layer) that are differentially positioned and functionalized. The acquisition layer is specifically positioned to intercept and contain wet surfaces, preventing contact with the body while the other layers provide absorption and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The acquisition layer acts as an intermediary barrier between the absorbent core and the user's body. This intermediate layer captures and contains wet surfaces, preventing direct contact with the body while still allowing the core to remain close for comfort.
3Ease of manufacture
If the article is packaged in a folded planar state, then manufacturing is simplified, but manual shaping is required before use
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic elements are pre-tensioned and pre-positioned during manufacturing, creating a built-in shaping mechanism that automatically forms the bowl shape when the article is used. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual shaping by the user while maintaining simple planar packaging during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The article is designed to shape itself upon use through the pre-tensioned elastic elements that automatically form the bowl shape when the article is applied to the body. This self-shaping capability eliminates the need for manual shaping while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
4Shape
If elastic elements extend beyond the hole in the longitudinal direction, then the bowl shape is enhanced, but the article complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic elements serve multiple functions: they provide the shaping force to create the bowl shape, maintain the core's proximity to the body, and prevent rearward sliding of the article. By making the elastic elements multi-functional, the design enhances the bowl shape without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same elements perform multiple roles.
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 article automatically assumes a bowl shape upon use, ensuring better fit and reduced risk of wet surfaces contacting the body, with elastic elements maintaining the core's proximity to the body and preventing rearward sliding.
Implementation Method 1
first and second elastic elements attached to opposite lateral edges of the absorbent core extend along said hole in a longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
an absorbent core including an upper absorbent layer proximal to the top sheet and a lower absorbent layer distal to the top sheet
Implementation Method 3
the absorbent core will be placed nearer the body of the user during use of the article
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent article (1), such as an incontinence protector, sanitary napkin or the like, includes a liquid permeable top sheet (3), a backing sheet (4) and an absorbent core (5,6,7) enclosed therebetween. The absorbent core includes an upper absorbent layer (5) proximal to the top sheet and a lower absorbent layer (6) distal to the top sheet. An elongated hole (8) extending in the longitudinal direction of the article is made in the absorbent core. First and second elastic elements (9,10) attached to opposite lateral edges of the absorbent core (5,6,7) extend along the hole in a longitudinal direction and the top sheet (3) is affixed to the elastic elements and to the bottom of the hole (8).