Pants Absorbent Core Layout for Extension Fit Without Leakage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing absorbent articles face issues with irregular deformation of the absorbent core due to elastic members in the extension portion, leading to gaps and potential leakage, particularly in the crotch area where the extension portion is positioned.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating low-basis-weight regions in the absorbent core that overlap the extension portion, combined with lateral and inclined elastic members, to facilitate regular contraction and expansion, ensuring close contact with the wearer's body and reducing deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If elastic members are provided in the extension portion to enhance fit, then the fit of the extension portion to the wearer is improved, but the absorbent core is irregularly deformed causing gaps and potential leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit of extension portionVSAvoidleakage prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent core is divided into regions with different basis weights: a first region with higher basis weight and a second region with lower basis weight. The lower basis weight region is specifically positioned to overlap the extension portion, allowing it to flex and conform to the wearer's body without causing irregular deformation of the entire absorbent core, thus maintaining both fit and leakage prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The absorbent core is segmented into multiple regions with different properties (different basis weights). This segmentation allows different parts of the absorbent core to serve different functions: the higher basis weight region provides absorption capacity while the lower basis weight region provides flexibility and conformability in the extension portion area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If the extension portion is positioned on the crotch side to cover buttocks, then the coverage area is increased, but the proportion of overlap with absorbent core increases causing greater deformation risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidabsorbent core deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent core has non-uniform basis weight distribution with a lower basis weight region specifically located in the area overlapping the extension portion. This local modification allows the extension portion to cover the buttocks effectively while the lower basis weight area flexes appropriately, preventing irregular deformation of the overall absorbent core structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances the fit of the extension portion and absorbent core to the wearer, minimizing irregular deformation and leakage by allowing the absorbent core to bend and expand in a controlled manner, thus improving comfort and effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

the extension portion having a string-like lateral elastic member that stretches and contracts in the lateral direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an inclined elastic member that stretches and contracts in a direction inclined with respect to the lateral direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4275666B1Pants-type absorbent article
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 UNI CHARM CORP
  • EP4275666B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4275666B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4275666B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a pants-type absorbent article (1), an exterior member (20, 30) has an extension part (30E) extending downward from at least one waist part of a pair of waist parts (1F, 1B), the extension part (30E) has a string-shaped transverse elastic member (35) which expands and contracts in the left-right direction, and an inclined elastic member (36) which expands and contracts in a direction inclined relative to the left-right direction, and in portions of an absorbent core (121) which overlap the extension part (30E) in a state in which the pants-type absorbent article (1) is unfolded, a plurality of low basis weight regions (40) is formed in which the basis weight of the absorbent core (121) is lower than that of the surrounding area and which extends in at least one of the up-down direction and left-right direction.