Absorbent Core Folding Structure for Diaper Leakage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing absorbent cores for hygiene articles, such as diapers, face challenges in wearing comfort and liquid management due to inadequate adaptation to human anatomy and channel shapes that can cause kinks and distortions, leading to reduced comfort and potential leakage.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a folding structure with oblique and longitudinal folds in the absorbent core, specifically designed to adapt to the anatomy, forming a curved fit in the middle section and a flat shape in the front and rear sections, with channels that facilitate liquid distribution and a valve function to manage liquid flow effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If channels are provided in the absorbent core to promote liquid distribution, then liquid management is improved, but kinks and distortions form that reduce wearing comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid managementVSAvoidwearing comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent core is divided into multiple sections (front, middle, rear) with different folding structures. The middle section has longitudinal folds for liquid distribution, while front and rear sections have oblique folds for anatomical adaptation, segmenting the core to simultaneously achieve liquid management and wearing comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different folding patterns are applied to different sections of the absorbent core. The middle section uses longitudinal folds parallel to the longitudinal axis, while front and rear sections use oblique folds at angles, creating asymmetric structures that address different functional requirements in different regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of manufacture

If the absorbent core is designed with a uniform shape, then manufacturing is simplified, but it does not adapt to human anatomy reducing wearing comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidanatomical adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent core is segmented into front, middle, and rear sections, each with different folding structures adapted to anatomical requirements. This segmentation allows customization for anatomical adaptation while maintaining a relatively simple overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different folding structures are applied to different local regions of the absorbent core. The middle section has longitudinal folds for liquid distribution, while front and rear sections have oblique folds for anatomical conformity, giving each local area the quality needed for its specific function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the absorbent core folds in the middle section to adapt to anatomy, then wearing comfort is improved, but liquid distribution may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewearing comfortVSAvoidliquid distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent core is divided into functional sections where the middle section has longitudinal folds that maintain liquid distribution pathways, while front and rear sections have oblique folds for anatomical adaptation. This segmentation ensures that folding for comfort does not disrupt liquid distribution in the middle section

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different folding angles and orientations are used in different sections. The middle section uses longitudinal folds (0° angle) to preserve liquid distribution, while front and rear sections use oblique folds (30°-60° angles) for anatomical adaptation, creating asymmetric structures that balance both requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This design enhances wearing comfort by providing a secure fit and efficient liquid management, reducing leakage and ensuring even distribution of liquid across the absorbent core sections, thereby improving the overall performance of hygiene articles.

Implementation Method 1

The layer with absorbent material, preferably comprising superabsorbent, arranged between the topsheet and the backsheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

channels that facilitate liquid distribution and a valve function to manage liquid flow effectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectValve function: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP4066800A1Absorbent core for a sanitary product
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 LK MAHNKE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4066800A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4066800A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP4066800A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an absorbent core for a hygiene article (1), in particular for a diaper, wherein the absorbent core (4) comprises a body-side cover sheet (8), a back sheet (9) furthest from the body, and a layer (10) with absorbent material arranged between the cover sheet (8) and the back sheet (9), wherein the absorbent core (4) has a longitudinal direction (L) with a longitudinal center line (X), a lateral direction (B), a front section (11), a middle section (12), and a rear section (13) along the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the absorbent core (4) has at least one folding structure (14) in the front and/or rear section (11, 13), and wherein the absorbent core (4) has a channel system (15) with at least one channel (16) for liquid distribution along the longitudinal direction (L).wherein the at least one channel (16) extends through at least one part of the central section (12) encompassing the transverse midline (X). It is proposed that the folding structure (14) comprises two longitudinal and two oblique folding paths (17, 18), that the longitudinal folding paths (17) each exhibit an angle (α) of at most 30° to the longitudinal midline (X) at least section by section, and that the oblique folding paths (18) each exhibit an angle (β) of 30° to 60° to the longitudinal midline (X) at least section by section.