Partial Core Bonding in Absorbent Articles for Transverse Flexibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent articles experience increased transversal stiffness due to full bonding of intermediate layers with the absorbent core, leading to discomfort for the wearer.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a partially bonded intermediate layer between the absorbent core and the backsheet, with bonded and unbonded zones, reducing overall stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the intermediate layer is fully bonded to the absorbent core, then the bonding strength is improved, but the transversal stiffness increases leading to wearer discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding interface between the intermediate layer and absorbent core is segmented into multiple discrete bonding zones rather than continuous full-area bonding. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain necessary bonding strength while creating unbonded regions that provide flexibility and reduce transversal stiffness, directly resolving the contradiction between bonding strength and wearer comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the intermediate layer are selectively bonded to the absorbent core based on local functional requirements. Bonding zones are positioned where structural support and fluid management are needed, while unbonded zones are maintained in regions where flexibility and comfort are priorities, allowing each local area to have optimized properties.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the intermediate layer is fully bonded to the absorbent core, then the structural stability is improved, but the flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate layer is partially bonded through discrete bonding zones rather than full-area bonding. This segmentation provides structural stability at the bonded interfaces while maintaining flexibility in the unbonded regions, allowing the absorbent article to adapt to body contours and movement without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding configuration allows the intermediate layer to dynamically adjust its behavior - remaining stable where bonded to the absorbent core while flexing and adapting where unbonded. This dynamic characteristic enables the structure to maintain stability when needed while providing flexibility for comfort and adaptability to different wear conditions.
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 partial bonding reduces transversal stiffness, enhancing wearer comfort by maintaining flexibility and flexibility while retaining the absorbent article's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
In the bonded portion, the two layers are preferably adhesively bonded
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An absorbent article (20) comprising a liquid permeable topsheet (24), a backsheet (26), an absorbent core (28) comprising an absorbent material (60) and a core wrap (16, 16'). The article comprises an intermediate layer (70) between the bottom side of the core wrap and the backsheet. The intermediate layer and the absorbent core are only partially bonded to each other at their interface (100), the interface comprising a bonded portion (110-114) and a unbonded portion (120). The intermediate layer can at least partially decouple from the absorbent core in the unbonded portion, which increases flexibility of the article in the transversal direction.