Absorbent Pant Core with Channeled Structure for Bulge Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Absorbent pant designs with longitudinal structural rigidity can cause unsightly bulges and discomfort due to the stiffening effect when wet, compromising appearance and fit.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating longitudinally-oriented main channels and secondary channels in the absorbent structure, with the secondary channels being shorter and transversely oriented, and strategically positioning these channels above the belt structure to mitigate the stiffening effect and improve fit and appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If longitudinal channels are incorporated into the absorbent core to improve liquid distribution and acquisition rate, then absorbency and liquid distribution are improved, but the article develops unsightly bulges and structural rigidity that adversely impact appearance and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent core is segmented into multiple longitudinal channels separated by partitions, creating discrete flow paths for liquid distribution. This segmentation improves liquid acquisition rate while the partitions provide structural support to prevent bulging. The core is divided into functional zones including a crotch region with channels and a waist region with reduced channel presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structure is configured with varying properties in different regions: the crotch region contains longitudinal channels for high acquisition rate, while the waist region has reduced channel presence to minimize bulging. The partitions between channels provide localized structural rigidity where needed to prevent bulge formation while maintaining absorbency functionality.
2Volume of moving object
If absorbent polymer particles are increased in proportion to reduce bulk when dry, then the article becomes thinner and more closely-fitting, but the article becomes saggy and bulky when wetted
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent core uses a high proportion of absorbent polymer particles segmented into discrete longitudinal channels separated by partitions. This segmentation prevents the polymer particles from forming a continuous saggy mass when wetted, as the partitions maintain structural integrity and prevent bulging while allowing individual channels to absorb liquid efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The core structure employs local quality variations where partitions provide structural support in regions prone to bulging, while absorbent polymer particles provide high absorption capacity in channel regions. This localized functional differentiation allows the core to remain thin and fitted when dry while preventing saggy appearance when wet.
3Shape
If longitudinal structural rigidity is provided through channel structure to reduce saggy appearance, then bulge formation is reduced, but appearance and comfort are adversely impacted by the rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The structural rigidity is provided through segmented partitions between longitudinal channels rather than a continuous rigid structure. These partitions provide localized support to prevent bulging and sagging while the segmented nature allows the overall core to remain flexible and conform to the wearer's body, maintaining comfort and fit.
Solution Approach 2:
Structural rigidity is provided locally through partitions in specific regions where bulge prevention is needed, while other regions maintain flexibility for comfort. The partitions create localized structural support without making the entire core rigid, allowing the article to maintain both shape stability and ease of operation.
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 channel configuration enhances liquid distribution and absorption while reducing the stiffening effect, preventing bulges and improving comfort and appearance both when dry and wet.
Implementation Method 1
The absorbent core structure that is part of the central chassis portion plays an important role in containment and absorbency of exudates
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A disposable absorbent pant having a belt structure and a longitudinally channeled absorbent core structure is disclosed. The channels include at least one shorter, at least partially transversely-oriented secondary channel in the front and/or rear, to provide a hinge structure in the core, enabling the core to flex laterally and reduce the likelihood of undesirable bulging in the front and/or rear of the pant while it is worn, after the core has absorbed liquid and stiffened longitudinally as a result of the channeled structure.