Absorbent Pant Closure Mechanism for Leg-Aperture Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent pants fail to effectively prevent bodily exudates from seeping out after use, particularly during disposal and when contained in waste containers, necessitating improved sealing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The absorbent pant features a fastening zone area with integrally formed hooks or loops and a release tape that allows waist panels to be laterally folded inward, partially sealing leg apertures to contain exudates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pull-on absorbent articles are used with pre-formed leg openings, then ease of donning is improved, but leg apertures remain open after use allowing exudates to seep out
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent pant is pre-formed with leg apertures and waist opening during manufacturing, allowing easy donning by simply inserting legs. The closure mechanism is pre-integrated into the structure through bonded waist panels that can be later activated to seal the leg apertures, combining ease of initial donning with subsequent sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The waist panels are designed to transition from an open state during donning to a sealed state during disposal. The bonding mechanism allows the waist panels to be initially separated to form open leg apertures, then later engaged to seal the apertures, providing dynamic adaptability to different usage phases.
2Ease of operation
If leg apertures remain open after use, then ease of removal is improved, but containment of exudates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is pre-integrated into the absorbent pant structure during manufacturing, with waist panels positioned and bonded to enable later sealing. This preliminary integration ensures that the sealing function is readily available when needed for disposal, without requiring additional manual assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent pant is designed for single-use disposal, with the closure mechanism activated specifically during the disposal phase. The waist panels are engaged to seal the leg apertures just before discarding, ensuring containment during transport and disposal while maintaining ease of removal during the wearing phase.
3Reliability
If a closure mechanism is added to seal leg apertures, then containment of exudates is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waist panels serve multiple functions: they form the structural boundary of the leg apertures during wear, and simultaneously act as the sealing mechanism when engaged through bonding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate closure components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective containment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism is merged with the existing waist panel structure rather than being added as a separate component. The waist panels are bonded to each other or to the chassis to create the seal, integrating the sealing function into the existing structural elements and minimizing additional complexity.
4Reliability
If waist panels are laterally folded inward to seal leg apertures, then containment of exudates is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Bonding zones are created at specific locations on the waist panels where engagement is required, rather than requiring uniform precision across the entire panel. This localized bonding approach concentrates the precision requirements to specific areas, making the manufacturing process more feasible while still achieving effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The waist panels are divided into distinct functional zones: sealing zones with bonding agents for engagement, and non-sealing zones that remain flexible for folding. This segmentation allows different manufacturing precision requirements for different areas, with bonding zones requiring precise alignment and other areas allowing more flexibility.
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 provides a hygienic and efficient means to minimize leakage of bodily fluids and solids by partially sealing leg apertures, enhancing disposal convenience and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a fastening zone area with integrally formed hooks or loops
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to an absorbent pant that includes longitudinally opposing first and second waist regions and a crotch region between the first and second waist regions. Longitudinally opposing first and second waist panels are disposed in the first and second waist regions and connect to form a waist opening and a pair of leg apertures. A fastening zone area is disposed on at least one surface of the absorbent pant. In a wrapped configuration, at least one of the waist panels is configured to be laterally folded inward to engage the fastening zone area such that at least one of the leg apertures is at least partially sealed.